University of Palestine

College of Engineering & Urban Planning

ENGINEERING STATICS

Instructor: Eng. Abedallah Adwan

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 COURSE GOALS
 This course has two specific goals:

(i) To introduce students to basic concepts of

force, couples and moments in two and
three dimensions.

(ii) To develop analytical skills relevant to

the areas mentioned in (i) above.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 .COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course, students should

be able to:
I. Analyze forces and find out the resultant forces in two and
three dimensions
II. Determine the resultant of coplanar and space force
systems.
III. Determine the centroid and center of mass of plane areas
and volumes.
IV. Distinguish between concurrent, coplanar and space force
systems
V. Differentiate between various type of supports and draw
free-body-diagram.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 COURSE OBJECTIVES CONTD
VI. Analyze the reactions and pin forces induces in
coplanar and space systems using equilibrium
equations and free body diagrams.
VII. Compute the reaction force, internal forces and
bending moment at a specific point on a simple
structure (beam, frame, truss)
VIII. Draw bending moment and shear force diagram to a
simple structure
IX. Apply sound analytical techniques and logical
procedures in the solution of engineering problems.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 COURSE TEXTBOOK

Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics

9 th Edition

by R. C. Hibbeler.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
STATICS, UNITS, CALCULATIONS & PROBLEM SOLVING
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
a) Identify what is mechanics / statics.
b) Work with two types of units.
c) Round the final answer appropriately.
d) Apply problem solving strategies.
In-Class activities:
• What is mechanics
• System of units
• Numerical calculations
• Problem solving strategy

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 ??WHAT IS MECHANICS

• Study of what happens to a “thing” (the technical name is

“body”) when FORCES are applied to it.
• Either the body or the forces could be large or small.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 BRANCHES OF MECHANICS

M e c h a n ic s
:

R ig id B o d ie s D e f o r m a b le B o d ie s F lu id s
( T h in g s t h a t d o n o t c h a n g e s h a p e ) ( T h in g s t h a t d o c h a n g e s h a p e )

S t a t ic s D y n a m ic s I n c o m p r e s s i b le C o m p r e s s i b le

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 What may happen if static's is not applied properly?

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 SYSTEMS OF UNITS

• Four fundamental physical quantities.

Length, mass, time, force.

• One equation relates them, F = m * a

• We use this equation to develop systems of units
•We will work with two unit systems in static’s: SI and US
Customary.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 .Table 1-1 in the textbook summarizes these unit systems

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 COMMON CONVERSION FACTORS

 1 ft = 0.3048 m
 1 lb = 4.4482 N
 1 slug = 14.5938 kg

 Example: Convert a torque value of 47 in • lb into SI units.

 Answer is 5.31026116 N • m??

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 RULES FOR USING SI SYMBOLS (Section 1.4)

• No Plurals (e.g., m = 5 kg not kgs )

• Separate Units with a • (e.g., meter second = m • s )

• Most symbols are in lowercase ( some exception are N,

Pa, M and G)
• Exponential powers apply to units , e.g., cm2 = cm • cm
• Other rules are given in your textbook

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 NUMERICAL CALCULATIONS

 Must have dimensional “homogeneity.” Dimensions have to

be the same on both sides of the equal sign, (e.g. distance =
speed  time.)

• Use an appropriate number of significant figures (3 for

answer, at least 4 for intermediate calculations).

• Be consistent when rounding off.

- greater than 5, round up (3528  3530)
- smaller than 5, round down (0.03521  0.0352)

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction
 PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY:
IPE, A 3 Step Approach

1. Interpret: Read carefully and determine what is given and

what is to be found/ delivered. Ask, if not clear. If
necessary, make assumptions and indicate them.

2. Plan: Think about major steps (or a road map) that you will
take to solve a given problem. Think of
alternative/creative solutions and choose the best one.

3. Execute: Carry out your steps. Use appropriate diagrams and

equations. Estimate your answers. Avoid simple
calculation mistakes. Reflect on / revise your work.

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Lecture 1 Chapter 1 : Introduction