Statics

Part of the Division of Applied Mechanics and the School of Engineering

Content summary
The study of Statics is the fundamental examination of the effects of forces upon objects. Often referred to as the primary discipline within the field of Engineering Mechanics, statics explores the behavior of bodies that are at rest or move at a constant velocity. Dynamics is the subsequent study of bodies moving at a variable velocity (accelerating or decelerating).

Mathematics

 * Algebra
 * Trigonometry
 * Calculus

Physics

 * Introduction to physics
 * Classical Mechanics

Texts

 * Statics

Statics Lessons

 * Free Body Diagrams
 * Force Systems
 * Force Equilibrium
 * Structures
 * Beams
 * Friction

Preliminary Study guide

 * 1) Wikipedia article:Statics
 * 2) Wikipedia article:Force
 * 3) Wikipedia article:Particle
 * 4) Wikipedia article:Rigid Body
 * 5) Wikipedia article:Vector
 * 6) Wikipedia article:Newton's laws
 * 7) Wikipedia article:Units
 * 8) Wikipedia article:Free Body Diagram

Readings

 * Peruse the appropriate sections of Statics

Activities

 * Pass the "Concept Assesment Tool for Statics" Test; Carnegie Mellon
 * Assignment 1: /Introduction to Statical Principles and Methods for Solving/

Extra credit
Solve the following: A ladder stands on a rough horizontal floor and against a "perfectly" smooth vertical wall. The ladder makes 30° with the vertical. A man weighing 209.4 lb stands halfway up the ladder. Assuming the ladder does not slip on the floor, find:
 * 1) The reaction between ladder and wall.
 * 2) The reaction and magnitude of the reaction of the floor on the ladder.

Take g=9.8m/s^2 & 209.439 pounds = 95 kg