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The overall aim of this course is to introduce a fundamental area of rigid body-mechanics called "Statics". Knowledge of statics is fundamental to many engineering applications as it is used to evaluate the equilibrium of bodies subjected to forces. For example, engineers need to predict how a bridge structure will behave under the influence of forces such as the cars, trucks & trains that will cross it and even under its own self weight. Statics is an analytical tool that can be used to evaluate these forces and assist in making such predictions. This course deals with balanced force systems applied to rigid bodies that are at rest. Methods to determine support reactions and relationships between internal and external forces will be introduced in this course. The knowledge gained in this course will be used extensively in later engineering design and analysis courses.

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. explain what a vector is, express it in vector and scalar notation and use vector algebra to solve problems;
2. calculate the moment of a force, determine the result of a non-concurrent force system and reduce a simple distributed load to a resultant force;
3. analyse & solve rigid body equilibrium problems using the equations of equilibrium;
4. analyse the equilibrium of rigid bodies subjected to dry friction and discuss the concept of rolling resistance;
5. analyse the forces in pin-jointed trusses using the method of joints and the method of sections;
6. construct and evaluate shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams with a variety of loads and types of support;
7. determine the centroid of an area and the first and second moments of area of plane shapes.