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Vector Mechanics: Statics

Mark A. Strain, PE


Course Outline

Statics is the study of forces and moments on physical systems in static equilibrium. Unlike dynamics, where the components of the system are in motion, components of a system in static equilibrium do not move or vary in position relative to one another over time. This course is intended to be a refresher course for statics (vector mechanics). This course is intended for someone who has a general working knowledge of vectors. This course has a lot of sample problems and teaches by showing examples and sample problems.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course the student will learn:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for all engineers.

Benefit to Attendees

Attendee of this course will be able to understand the fundamentals of vector mechanics - statics.

Course Introduction

Mechanics is the branch of science concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the effects of the bodies on their environment. Mechanics is a physical science incorporating mathematical concepts directly applicable to many fields of engineering such as mechanical, civil, structural and electrical engineering.

Vector analysis is a mathematical tool used in mechanics to explain and predict physical phenomena. The word “vector” comes from the Latin word vectus (or vehere – meaning to carry). A vector is a depiction or symbol showing movement or a force carried from point A to point B.
Statics (or vector mechanics) is the branch of mechanics that is concerned with the analysis of loads (or forces and moments) on physical systems in static equilibrium. Systems that are in static equilibrium are either at rest or the system's center of mass moves at a constant velocity. Problems involving statics use trigonometry to find a solution.

Newton's First Law states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest or an object in motion tends to stay in motion at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force. In the area of statics Newton's First Law dictates that the sum of all forces, or net force, and net moment on every part of the system are both zero.

The term "static" means still or unchanging. In relation to vector mechanics the terms "still" or "unchanging" pertain to the system under evaluation. The system may be at rest or may be moving at a constant velocity, but all of the components of the system are still or in equilibrium with each other. However, there are forces within the system usually acted upon by gravity, but all of the forces are balanced.

Course Content

This course is in the following PDF document:

Vector Analysis

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Course Summary

Statics is the study of forces and moments on physical systems in static equilibrium. Unlike dynamics, where the components of the system are in motion, components of a system in static equilibrium do not move or vary in position relative to one another over time. Statics is concerned with physical systems in equilibrium and the conditions that require equilibrium given the forces and moments that are acting on the components of the systems. These physical systems can include but are not limited to trusses, beams, pulleys and systems that use support cables.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.