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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "ENGR 210"
COURSE NAME: "Statics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session II 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Susan Reynolds
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 11:10 AM - 1:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: MA 198
OFFICE HOURS: TBA
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introduction to statics, the branch of mechanics that is concerned with the analysis of loads (force and torque, or "moment") on physical systems in static equilibrium, that is, in a state where the relative positions of subsystems do not vary over time, or where components and structures are at a constant velocity. When in static equilibrium, the system is either at rest, or its center of mass moves at constant velocity. Course content includes vector algebra, forces, couples, moments, resultants of force couple systems; friction, equilibrium analysis of particles and finite bodies, centroids; and applications.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

For the purpose of transfer credit, refer to the course description (above) and the topical content (below). The course includes all Statics topics tested on the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and was designed by an engineering faculty who was the principal author for two ABET self-studies. This is a rigorous course that prepares students for success in subsequent coursework, such asMechanics of Materials,Solid Mechanics,Strengths of Materials, andDynamics. Small class sizes (generally 10-20 students) and daily office hours enable exceptional levels of student learning.

 

Topical list of course content:

(1) Force, force equilibrium, force transfer between bodies, simple free body diagrams

(2) Simple connections and constraints (pins and rollers) 

(3) Multi-member pin-connected structures (trusses, frames, machines), two-force members, method of joints, solving reactions 

(4) Force couple, couple moment, moment of a force, moment equilibrium

(5) Complex connections and constraints (fixed connections and internal hinges)

(6) Multi-member structures containing complex connections and constraints, solving reactions

(7) Equivalent systems of vectors (distributed loads, concentrated loads, principle of transmissibility, moving a force off of its line of action, etc.)

(8) Internal normal force, shear force, and bending moment; method of sections

(9) Shear and moment diagrams, shear and moment equations

(10) Introduction to fluid statics - theory and applications

(11) Introduction to static friction - theory and applications 

(12) Centroid of an area, center of gravity (via integration and method of composite areas)

(13) Moments of inertia (second moments of area); Mohr's Circle for principal moments of inertia

(14) 3D problems (vector approaches to force summation and moment summation)

 

Note: for transfer credit purposes, the instructor is capable and willing to teach additional topics to students/institutions that require them for transfer credit purposes. For example, some Statics courses contain a unit on cables. Please contact the instructor with any special requests for topical coverage.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1. Apply vector addition, vector multiplication, and trigonometry to Statics problems.

  2. Construct free-body diagrams of a body or system in static equilibrium.

  3. Depict the effects of springs, pulleys, cables, pin connections, roller connections, and fixed connections with vectors.

  4. Calculate the moment of a force in 2D and 3D notation.

  5. Use the equations of equilibrium to solve for reactions in simple systems (particle equilibrium, beams, frames, and trusses.)

  6. Solve for the internal shear force, normal force, and bending moment in a structural or mechanical member; express these concepts in the form of an equation; and graphically construct shear and moment diagrams.

  7. Analyze simple friction problems.

  8. Compute centroids through direct integration and composite area methods; compute moments of inertia through direct integration and via the parallel axis theorem; and calculate principal moments of inertia with Mohr’s Circle.

Additionally, this course has been structured to provide opportunities for students to develop certain skillsets that are critically important to the professional practice of engineering:

  1. Students take responsibility for their own learning.

  2. Students apply a careful, slow, and methodological approach to engineering problem-solving.

  3. Students communicate their work effectively by combining succinct and comprehensible mathematical calculations, precise and scaled free body diagrams, and written commentary.

  4. Students recognize the value of reliable, accurate computations.

  5. Students recognize the importance of checking their own work.

  6. Students build their engineering intuition and judgment by connecting abstract theories to practical applications.

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Course BinderStudents are responsible for maintaining a written record of their progress through the course. This may be a binder, notebook, or journal. Include a cover sheet, table of contents, and page numbering system. Appendices (such as a glossary of terms or a math reference sheet) are encouraged but not required. Include all problems assigned from the textbook, as well as those problems introduced in class. Organize the binder chronologically. The binder will be collected twice and graded: once immediately following the Midterm Exam and a second time immediately after the Final Exam. Each of the two binder grades is worth 25% of the course grade (50% total of the course grade). The binder will be evaluated on its thoroughness, completion, and effort (i.e. did the student complete all assigned work?) and organization, neatness, presentation, and coherency (i.e. is this work reasonably understandable to someone else?). The binder does not have to be perfect, polished, or pristine. It is a place for students to think, make errors, correct errors, and learn the course material. Students are strongly encouraged to have the professor review their binder periodically during office hours for suggestions and advice. There are several purposes for this assignment, which is modeled on the real-world calculation books in professional engineering. First, it encourages students to assume responsibility for their own learning, as this assignment takes the place of conventional, graded homework activities. Second, it develops several key skills that are indispensable in engineering practice, such as engineering problem-solving methods, legible free-body diagrams, legible calculations, and legible commentary. Third, it serves as a record of your work in this course that you can reference in subsequent coursework. Finally, it is simply the best way to learn this material. 50%
Midterm ExamThe Midterm Exam is a 2-hour exam in Week 3 that covers all material from Weeks 1 and 2. Students may reference their Course Binder during the Exam. 25%
Final ExamThe Final Exam is a 2-hour exam in Week 5. It is a comprehensive exam. NOTE: if your Final Exam grade exceeds your Midterm Exam grade, it will replace it. This policy recognizes that the principles from Weeks 1 and 2 are applied in Weeks 3, 4, and 5, and that different people learn at different speeds. 25%
Participation, attendance, helpfulness, curiosity, etc.The instructor reserves the right to raise or lower the final course grade by one letter grade based on participation, attendance, helpfulness, curiosity, etc. This policy (usually masked on syllabi as "participation") is based on the way engineers are licensed in the real world. The NCEES Model Law requires that licensees are not only technically competent (i.e. they must complete the educational and examination requirements) but are also of sound reputation. In other words, people are more than test scores: experience, ability, values, ethics, character, and reputation all matter. The primary purpose behind this policy is to encourage students to attend each class, always arrive on time, check egos at the door (we are all here to learn), not be distracted on your cell phone, be respectful and kind to your peers and to your professor, frequent office hours, help your peers, and generally be excited about making this course a great experience for everyone. The secondary purpose behind this policy is to remind students that ethics -- a critical competency for engineers and a stand-alone topic on the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam -- are embedded everywhere. +/- 10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AEXCELLENT (a thorough comprehension of the technical material, reliably accurate computations)
BGOOD (a general comprehension of the technical material, generally accurate computations, with some errors present)
CSATISFACTORY (a basic comprehension of the technical material, sometimes accurate computations, a few too many errors)
DUNSATISFACTORY (an incomplete comprehension of the technical material, unreliable or error-prone computations)
FFAILURE (no significant comprehension of the technical material, incorrect computations)

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
Attendance is critical for success in this course. Students that miss even a single day of lecture are likely to fall behind as each new concept builds on mastery of previous ones. You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
TBA