University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar

CE-117: Engineering Mechanics

MODULE 1 ( Spring-2025)

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics

(Fundamental concepts)
Name of Instructor: Prof. Dr Mohammad Javed, CED, UET Peshawar.
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 Lecture’s Objectives

• To define and discuss various branches of Mechanics

• To discuss fundamental concepts used in Engineering Mechanics

• To discuss system of units used in Engineering

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 Introduction to Mechanics
• Mechanics is the branch of Science which deals with the effect of
forces on bodies.

• Figure 1: What is the effect of 2kg mass (Force ?)

on attached cables (Body) ?

• Figure 2: What is the effect of 800 N reaction Figure 1

(Force ?) on Tendon (Body ?)

Figure 2 3
 Introduction to Mechanics

• Figure 3: What is the effect of Force ‘F’

on rod (Body) of length ‘L’?

Figure 3

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 CLASSIFICATION OF MECHANICS
Mechanics

Rigid Deformable Fluids

bodies bodies
(Engineering (Solid Mechanics) (Fluid Mechanics)
Mechanics)
Engineering Mechanics

Statics Dynamics

Kinematics Kinetics 5
 RIGID BODY MECHANICS
It is the branch of mechanics which deal with rigid bodies. In engineering education
the subject rigid body mechanics is taught using the term “Engineering Mechanics”.
A rigid body is a body which does not deform under the influence of forces. In all
real applications, there is always deformation, however, many structures exhibit very
small deformations under normal loading conditions, and rigid body mechanics can
be used with sufficient accuracy in those cases. Also, the principles of rigid body
mechanics are some of the building blocks needed for the mechanics of deformable
bodies.

Rigid body (Engineering Mechanics

Deformable body Rigid body)
 RIGID BODY MECHANICS
Consider the given figure. The calculation of the tension in the cable
which supports the boom of a mobile crane under load is essentially
unaffected by the small internal deformations in the structural members
of the boom.
For the purpose of determining the
external forces which act on the boom, we may
treat it as a rigid body.

Actually solid bodies are never rigid; they deform

under the action of applied forces.
In many cases this deformation is negligible
compared to the size of the body and the body is
assumed to be rigid 7
 DEFORMABLE BODY MECHANICS
• Deformable Body: Bodies in which
appreciable deformation is produced under
application of load.
Deformable Body Mechanics
Deformable body (Mechanics of Solid)
Deformable body mechanics (Mechanics of
solids course) deals with how forces are
distributed inside bodies, and with the
deformations caused by these internal force
distributions. These internal force produce
"stresses" in the body, which could ultimately
result in the failure of the material itself.

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 FLUID MECHANICS

The Mechanics of fluids is the branch of mechanics that deals with

liquids or gases.
 While all real fluids are compressible to some degree, most liquids can
be analyzed as incompressible in many engineering applications.

 The study of the mechanics of fluids will be studied in “Fluid

Mechanics”, “Hydraulics” and other relevant subjects.

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Applications of Statics

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 Civil Engineering courses requiring knowledge of
Engineering Mechanics as pre-requisite
1. Mechanics of solids I &II (2nd & 3rd semester)
2. Fluid Mechanics I &II (3rd & 4th semester)
3. Hydraulics Engineering (5th semester)
4. Irrigation Eng. and Water Management (8th semester)
5. Structural Analysis I &II (4th & 5th semester)
6. Reinforced concrete design I & II (6th & 7th semester)
7. Steel Structures (8th semester)
8. Geotechnical Engineering I &II (4th & 5th semester)
9. Foundation Engineering (6th semester)
10. Introduction to Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
(8th semester)
 CLASSIFICATION OF RIGID BODY MECHANICS
Statics: It is that branch of Engineering Mechanics, which deals with the forces and their
effects, while acting upon the bodies at rest or or moving with constant velocity
(acceleration = 0 ?).

Dynamics: It is that branch of Engineering Mechanics, which deals with the forces and
their effects, while acting upon the bodies in motion. The subject of Dynamics may be
further sub-divided into the following two branches : 1. Kinetics, and 2. Kinematics.

• Kinematics: Kinematics is the branch of mechanics which deals with motion

parameters without considering the forces responsible for motion.
S= vit +1/2 at2

• Kinetics: Kinetics is the branch of mechanics which deals with motion parameters as
well as forces responsible for motion. Fi= ma
Definitions and key concepts related to
Engineering Mechanics
 Definitions
Space: It is the geometric region occupied by bodies whose positions are described
by linear and angular measurements relative to a coordinate system. For three-
dimensional problems, three independent coordinates are needed. For two-
dimensional problems, only two coordinates are required.

Two dimensional rectangular Coordinate system Three dimensional Coordinate system

Time: It is conceived as a succession of events. Although the principles of statics are

time independent, this quantity plays an important role in the study of dynamics.14
 Definitions

Mass : The quantity of the matter possessed by a body is called mass.

 The mass of a body will not change unless the body is damaged and part of it
is physically separated.
 When a body is taken out in a space craft, the mass will not change but its
weight may change due to change in gravitational force. Even the body may
become weightless when gravitational force vanishes but the mass remain the
same.

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 Definitions
Body: A body has mass and occupies a volume in space

Particle: A particle is an object whose mass is concentrated at a point. For this

reason, a particle is also called a point mass, and it is said to have zero volume

Size of earth is insignificant compared to the size

of its orbit. Earth can be modelled as a particle
when studying its orbital motion

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 Force
A force represents the action of one body on another.
It can be exerted by actual contact or at a distance, as in the case of gravitational
forces and magnetic forces.
The action of a force is completely characterized by its 1. Magnitude, 2.
Direction, and 3. Point of application.
Magnitude and point of application are
same but due to different directions,
different type of internal forces are
produced

σx P
x x x x
Magnitude and direction is same but due
different point of application internal
P P stresses are different (internal effect) 𝑃
However, Reactions (external effect) have 𝜎 = P 𝜎 =0
𝐴 17
same magnitude
 Classification of Force

For the application of such

forces contact between the
Body Force surfaces is not essential. e.g.,
gravitational force, magnetic
force etc.
Force
For the application of this type
of force contact between the
Surface Force surfaces is necessary i.e.
friction force, Reaction force of
the roller and hinge support

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Classification of Force

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 Classification of Force

Concentrated Force

Force

Distributed Force

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 Classification of Force

1. Concentrated force
concentrated forces exerted at
point or location
Concentrated forces, P1, P 2
What are other concentrated forces ?
2. Distributed force
A force applied along a length or over
an area. The distribution can be
uniform or non-uniform.

Distributed forces 21
 Fundamental Principles of mechanics
The study of elementary mechanics rests on six fundamental principles based
on experimental evidence.

1-3: Newton’s Three fundamental Laws.

4. Newton’s Law of Gravitation.

5. The Parallelogram Law for the Addition of Forces.

6. The Principle of Transmissibility.

Note: It shall be strictly avoided not to use principle of transmissibility in

mechanics of solid. 22
 Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

1. First Law:
Every body continues in its state of rest or of uniform motion unless or until
some external force acts on it.
2. Second Law:
A particle acted upon by an unbalanced force F experiences an acceleration a
that has the same direction as the force and a magnitude that is directly
proportional to the force.
3. Third Law:
The forces of action and reaction between bodies in contact are equal in
magnitude, opposite in direction and collinear (same line of action).

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 4. Newton’s Law of Gravitation
This states that two particles of mass M and m are mutually attracted with equal
and opposite forces F and -F of magnitude F given by the formula.

The force F exerted by the earth on the particle is then defined as the weight W of
the particle. Taking M equal to the mass of the earth, m equal to the mass of the
particle, and r equal to the radius R of the earth, and introducing the constant

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 5. The Parallelogram Law for the Addition of Forces.

This states that two forces acting on a particle may be replaced by a single
force, called their resultant, obtained by drawing the diagonal of the
parallelogram which has sides equal to the given forces.

Why we use dotted line

for indicating resultant
force ?

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 Force as Vector quantity: Proof

 There is no mathematical proof that law of vectors addition can be applied to

forces.
 Applying law of vectors addition to forces is based on results of experiment
performed using Gravesand’s apparatus.

Gravesand’s apparatus
 6. Principle of Transmissibility

“A force may be applied at any point on its given line of action without altering
the resultant effects of the force external to the rigid body on which it acts “

Reaction,
R R

. O O
σx = σx-x
P
Shifting the applied force from C to O using Principle of x x x x
Transmissibility does not change the external effect as
Reaction in both cases are same. However, by doing so 𝑃 C C
σx−x = P σx−x = 0
internal effect, for instance internal stress at section x-x 𝐴
change from σx-x to 0. Applying σx-x = 0 at section x-x in
both the cases result in different values of σx 27
 External and Internal Effects of a force
External force is a force acting on a system from outside its boundaries
External force can be either applied forces or reactive forces.
Applied Force
Applied Force (weight)

Reactive force Reactive force

Reactive force (Soil Pressure)

What are the other external effects ? Forces from column (Applied) are
transferred to the soil (Reactive force ) 28
 Type of Internal forces
An "internal force" is a force acting within a system, generated by external force
or one part of the system exerting force on another part.
An internal force is typically classified into four main types, Applied Force
Reactive force
1. Normal force. Normal force is the internal
force component that is perpendicular to
N
the cross section (Fig a )

2. Bending moment. The bending moment is

the internal couple moment (vector) that is
tangent to the cross section see Fig b.
 Type of Internal forces

3. Shear force. The internal force component

that is tangent to the cross section as
shown in Fig c

4. Torsional moment (Torsion). The torsional

or twisting moment is the internal moment
component that is perpendicular to the
cross section. Figure d

Which of the forces are applied, reactive and internal ?

 Stress

Stress is a term used to express the

internal force or resistance, offered by a
particle to the adjacent particle in a body
under the action of external loads.
• Stress is the internal resistance per unit
area.

• Note: We will discuss the topic in details

in mechanic of solids

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 Structural loads

Load is a term frequently used in engineering to mean the force exerted on a surface
or body. Details of various type of loads are provided in part of lecture “Additional
material for self study”

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 Difference between Force and Load
The terms "force" and "load" are related concepts in the field of physics and
engineering, but they have distinct meanings.

Force is a vector quantity that represents the interaction between two objects or
within an object, causing a change in its motion or deformation. It is characterized by
both magnitude and direction.

Forces can include pushes, pulls, tension, compression, gravity, friction, and any
other interactions that cause a change in motion or shape
 Difference between Force and Load

Load refers to the external forces acting on a structure, component, or material. A

load can be a force applied to a structure, and it may cause deformation, stress, or
movement in the structure.

Examples: Examples of loads include the weight of objects, wind forces, traffic loads
on bridges, and gravitational forces.
 Key Difference between Force and Load
Nature
• Force: A force is a specific interaction or influence that can cause an object to
accelerate, decelerate, or deform.
• Load: A load refers to external forces applied to a structure or material, and it is a
collective term that includes various forces acting on the structure.
Representation
• Force: Described by magnitude and direction as a vector quantity.
• Load: Describes the overall effect of forces acting on a structure, and it may involve
multiple forces.
Application
• Force: Refers to a specific action or interaction.
• Load: Refers to the external effects of forces applied to a structure.

In summary, load is a broader term referring to the overall effects of forces applied to a
structure. A load can include one or more forces acting on an object or structure.
Classification of Force systems

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 Classification of Coplanar Force system

TYPES OF FORCES & FORCE SYSTEM

collinear forces concurrent forces

Parallel forces Non-concurrent & non-parallel forces

 Units of Measurement

• A total of seven base quantities exist in SI system of unit. Rest are derived from
these
• In mechanics we use four fundamental quantities called fundamental
mechanical dimensions. These are length, mass, force, and time.
• Although there are a number of different systems of units major systems of
units. However, rest are obsolete except following two

1. The International System of Units (SI units)

2. U.S. Customary Units (FPS units)
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 Dimensions versus units.

Dimensions and units are different.

Dimensions are a measurable extent of some kind, while Units are used to
measure a dimension.

For example, length and time are both dimensions, and meter and second,
respectively, are units used to measure these dimensions

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 Units of Measurement
SI System of Unit.
The International System of units, abbreviated SI is a modern version of the
metric system which has received worldwide recognition.

• SI system defines length in meters (m), time in seconds (s),and mass in

kilograms (kg).

• The unit of force, called a newton (N), is derived from F = ma. Thus, 1
newton is equal to a force required to give 1 kilogram of mass an acceleration
of 1 m/s2 (N = kg .m/s2)

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 Units of Measurement

U.S. Customary (FPS system of unit).

• In the U.S. Customary system of units (FPS) length is measured in feet (ft),
time in seconds (s), and force in pounds (lb).

• The unit of mass, called a slug , is derived from F = ma . Hence,

• 1 slug is equal to the amount of matter accelerated at 1 ft/s2 when acted upon
by a force of 1 lb (slug = lb.s2/ft) .

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 Other Sub units in FPS
 In U.S. units the pound is also used on occasion as a unit of mass. When
distinction between the two units is necessary, the force unit is frequently written
as lbf and the mass unit as lbm
 Also, in the U.S. units (some time also called FPS system of units), following
relations are used
 1 foot (ft) = 12 inch (in.), 1 yard (yd)= 3 ft, 1 mile (mi)= 1760 yd= 5280 ft ,
 1 kilo-pound (kip or k)= 1000 lb ; 1 ton = 2000 lb ; 1 tonne = 1000 kg*= 2205 lb

* In the MKS (meter, kilogram, second) gravitational system, which has been
used for many years in non-English-speaking countries, the kilogram, like the
pound, has been used both as a unit of force and as a unit of mass.
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 Abbreviation for inch.

Note that in previous slide the abbreviation for inch is “in.”, which contains a
period. This is unusual, but is done because without the period, the abbreviation
would also be the same as a word in the English language, and this might lead to
confusion.

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 Common pitfall

Weight and mass are different.

It is unfortunately common for people, especially lay people, to refer to weight

using mass units. For example, when a person says, “I weigh 70 kg.”, the
person really means “My mass is 70 kg”

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 Conversion of Units
Following table provides a set of direct conversion factors between FPS and SI
units for the basic quantities.

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Common prefixes used in the SI unit systems.

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 Problems

• Example 1

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 Omitting units while solving a problem.

This is a common mistake by most of students (even by time of graduation)

resulting in reduction of marks and consequently grade.

The most serious mistake made when performing unit conversions (as well as
when writing equations in general) is to omit units in equations.

Although writing units in equations takes a few moments longer, doing so will
help avoid the errors that are sure to result if you do not make this a practice
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Problems

• Problem 2

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Problems for practice

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 Problems For Practice

Problems 1.2 and 1.4 are part of Home Assignment No.1

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Additional material for self study
 Type of Structural loads

Dead Loads: Vertical loads that are fixed in position and are produced by
the weight of the elements of the structure or the whole structure with all
its permanent components.

Examples are: own weight of structural member and super imposed loads
(e.g. walls and flooring cover)

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 Type of Structural loads

Live Loads: consist mainly of occupancy

loads (e.g. people and furniture) in
buildings and traffic loads on bridges.
They may be either fully or partially in
place or not present at all, and may also
change in location.

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 Type of Structural loads

Wind Loads: are the positive or negative

pressures exerted on a building when it
obstructs the flow of moving air.

Wind loads generally act perpendicular the

surface of the structure.

Value of load varies depending on the

geographic location of the building and
its height.

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 Type of Structural loads
Seismic Loads: are the inertial forces that act on the structure due to
earthquake-induced ground motions.

Inertial
force =ma

Ground acceleration, a

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 Type of Structural loads

Snow Loads: the amount of snow load on a roof structure is dependent on

a variety of factors:
• Roof geometry,
• Size of the structure,
• Insulation of the structure,
• Wind frequency,
• Snow duration,
• Geographical location of the structure.

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 Type of Structural loads

Lateral Soil and Hydro-static Loads:

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 Type of Structural loads
Thermal and Settlement Loads:

Thermal Loads Settlement Loads 59

 Failures

Among all of the goals confronting engineers when they design structures
and machines, the most crucial goal is to develop designs that are as safe
as possible.
Unfortunately, despite all human efforts to meet this goal, sometimes we do
not, and for reasons that are almost always unexpected, failure occurs.
When failure occurs, we must learn from it so that our mistakes and/or lack
of foresight is not repeated in the future

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 Failures
1. Tacoma Narrows bridge

2. Escambia Bay bridge.

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Failures
3. Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel.
On July 17, 1981, two suspended walkways at the Kansas City Hyatt
Regency hotel collapsed during a dance party, killing 114 people and
seriously injuring many more.

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 Failures
4. Tropicana Casino parking garage.

On October 30, 2003, a 10-story parking

garage under construction at the Tropicana
Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey,
collapsed, killing 4 workers and injuring 21
others

The design of the building itself was adequate,

but the design of structures needed for
fabrication was not. Note that concrete requires
time after pouring (28 days is common) to reach
its full design strength. 63
Any Question??

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