ENGR 8  Engineering Statics

Fall 2015 

Class website:  http://mpconline.mpc.edu 
Prereq/Coreq:     PHYS 3A (Pre-); MATH 20C (Co-)

Text:            Russell C. Hibbeler. "Engineering Mechanics - Statics," Prentice-Hall, 2009, 12th ed. 
 

Misc:           You are invited to use MATLAB  in this class. Free versions of this software (FreeMat) will be made available for student use in the Library, BMC205/207 and free versions are available online.   Matlab Overview  Matlab 3D Vectors. 

Course Description:  

Students learn the principles of statics and their application to engineering problems. Topics include two- and three-dimensional force systems acting on particles and rigid bodies in equilibrium, analysis of trusses and beams, distributed forces, shear and bending moment diagrams, friction, center of gravity, centroids, and moments of inertia. Optional additional topics include fluid statics, cables, Mohr's circle, and virtual work. Also offered online.

Student Learning Outcome: Students will be able to

• Apply concepts of force, equilibrium and virtual work to the analysis of structures and machines
• Analyze and evaluate complex issues or problems, draw reasoned conclusions and/or generate solutions, and effectively communicate their results.

Objectives: Students will be able to

1. Perform scalar and vector computations involving two- and three-dimensional forces and moments.
2. Determine the effective resultants of complex systems of forces and moments.
3. Determine the reaction forces acting on rigid bodies subjected to external forces from both concentrated and distributed loads.
4. Solve for equilibrium forces within trusses, frames and machines.
5. Calculate internal forces in members and create shear and bending moment diagrams for beams.
6. Find centroids and moments of inertia of composite and three-dimensional bodies.

Course Grading

You will be expected to complete thirteen regular assignments, 8 quizzes, 4 tests and a final exam.

The  total weights of different course activities:

13 Assignments                                                            10 %    
7 Quizzes (8 given, lowest dropped)                              10 %                                       
4 Tests                                                                         50 %                
Final Exam (100 pts)                                                     30 %

            A - 90%
            B - 80%
            C - 70%
            D - 60%

All assignments are due on Tuesday, start of class, the week after they are handed out. Late homework receives 1 pt off per day. After Friday (3 days) the homework is worth 0 points.

Homework

Each week students can select from a menu of homework problems broken down into C level drill problems, B level guided problem solving, A level unassisted problems and A+ level challenge problems.  Assignments shall be completed on separate paper, preferably grid paper. In addition, points will be awarded or taken away as your work reflects or ignores the clear principles demonstrated in the example, including:

a) brief problem statement
b) neatly drawn picture
c) formulas used
d) math solution
e) underlined answers

These qualities are demonstrated in the following  Homework Example

Quizzes, Tests, Exams

Quizzes are single, short answer questions that should take about 2 minutes to complete. Tests will cover just 2 chapters and therefore there is a limited number of possibilities in solving a given problem. Ultimately, the goal is to be able to look at a  problem covering any of the material covered and decide a  proper course of action in solving it. The final exam is therefore of a different nature than the tests.

Whereas tests are closed book, allow 1 sheet (2 sided) of notes, and focus on 1 or 2 chapters of the text,  the Final Exam is open book, covers the entire class, and provides an opportunity to assimilate and integrate the new and sometimes challenging concepts we discover each week.

Unexcused Test Absences

You must present medical evidence for failure to appear for a test. Otherwise you get zero for that tests.  

Cheating

Occasionally I have caught students cheating. The standard policy is to give a grade of F for both participants and if deemed necessary make a visit to the Dean of Students with the cheaters. We have had very serious cases in which the students were dropped from the course and suspended from taking courses at MPC. This goes on your record and of course is not viewed favorably by other schools and employers who want and need to trust you.

DROPPING THE CLASS

 If you wish to drop the class go to the registration office and officially drop BEFORE the last drop date. Do not depend on me to drop you If you do not do an official drop then you will get a grade of F for the course. I am not allowed to give you a W after the last drop date.

Resources:

• ENGR 8 Guest Book (change html to htm)
• CCC Confer Connection Details
• Matlab Student Version
• Shear and Bending Moment Calculator
• Download Freemat