Mechanics of Materials

Catalog description

Mechanics of Materials (a.k.a. Strength of Materials, or Mechanics of Deformable Bodies is the analysis of the static response of deformable bodies under the influence of loads (forces and moments). In this course we will develop and apply analysis tools (concepts, equations, and diagrams) to determine (1) compressive, shearing, flexural, and tensile stresses, and deflections, as appropriate, in (a) axially loaded bars, (b) torsionally loaded shafts, and (c) transversely loaded beams; (2) buckling loads for compressively loaded columns; (3) combined stresses, due to combinations of loading types; and (4) the strength of welded and riveted joints. The primary tools for our analyses are Free Body Diagrams, Newton’s 3rd Law, and scalar mathematics. Mechanics of Materials is offered at Milligan in the spring term of each academic year and falls in the second year of the typical student’s curriculum. A fundamental engineering course, Mechanics of Materials is the third in a typical sequence of four foundational “Mechanics” courses, which address the responses of physical systems to applied loads. The first, Statics (MENG-201), deals with the analysis of particles and rigid bodies at rest. The second (or third) in a typical sequence is Mechanics of Materials (MENG-211), which considers the internal stresses and deformations of static systems of deformable bodies. The third (or second), Dynamics (MENG-202) treats particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies in motion. Fourth in the sequence is Vibrations (MENG-431)—which considers system responses to oscillatory loads. Prerequisite: MENG 201. Offered spring term each year. Three semester hours.