Friday, February 6, 2015

Statics & Centroids!

Unit 2 - Statics and Materials.

Statics is the basis for the study of engineering mechanics and specifically rigid-body mechanics. Statics is concerned with the equilibrium of bodies that are at rest or that move at a constant velocity. Using measurements of geometry and force, Archimedes studied statics concepts in ancient Greece. Most of his work centered on simple machines for construction of buildings.

Our first static structures: the paper towers we built today. These 15 short rolls of paper held over 16 kg (35 lbs) without flinching. In this unit you will learn how to identify and calculate forces acting on a body when it is in static equilibrium.  You will determine the centroid, moment of inertia, and the modulus of elasticity of a structural member.  You will calculate internal and external forces of a truss.  Finally, you will use this knowledge to design, build, and test your own bridge.

Homework:

2.1.1 Centroids Video Quiz to be found on the classroom.
due before our next class.