Engineering Mechanics
Statics CE-102A
[Link]. Civil Engineering
Chapter 1
General Principles
Dr. Azhar Saleem
Sep. 16, 2025 1
Text Book
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Mechanics
Mechanics is a branch of the physical sciences that is concerned
with the state of REST or MOTION of bodies that are subjected to
the ACTION OF FORCES.
In general, this subject can be subdivided into three branches:
Rigid-body mechanics;
Deformable-body mechanics; and
Fluid mechanics.
Rigid-body mechanics is divided into two areas:
Statics; and
Dynamics.
Statics deals with the equilibrium of those bodies that are either at
rest or move with a constant velocity; whereas dynamics is
concerned with the accelerated motion of bodies. 3
Mechanics
Historical Development.
The subject of statics developed very early in history because its
principles can be formulated simply from measurements of
geometry and force.
For example, the writings of Archimedes (287–212 B.C.) deal
with the principle of the lever.
Studies of the pulley, inclined plane, and wrench are also
recorded in ancient writings—at times when the requirements
for engineering were limited primarily to building construction.
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was one of the first major
contributors to this field of Dynamics. His work consisted of
experiments using pendulums and falling bodies.
Isaac Newton (1642–1727), presented three fundamental laws
of motion and the law of universal gravitational attraction. 4
Archimedes Galileo Newton
(Greek) (Italian) (British)
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Fundamental Concepts
Basic Quantities
Length
Time
Mass
Force
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Fundamental Concepts
Idealizations
Models or idealizations are used in mechanics in order to simplify
application of the theory. Here we will consider three important
idealizations.
i. Particle. A particle has a mass, but a size that can be neglected.
For example, the size of the earth is insignificant compared to
the size of its orbit. Geometry of the body will not be involved in
the analysis of the problem.
ii. Rigid Body. A rigid body can be considered as a combination of a
large number of particles in which all the particles remain at a
fixed distance from one another, both before and after applying
a load.
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Fundamental Concepts
Idealizations
iii. Concentrated Force. A concentrated force represents the effect of a
loading which is assumed to act at a point on a body. We can represent
a load by a concentrated force, provided the area over which the load
is applied is very small compared to the overall size of the body. An
example would be the contact force between a wheel and the ground.
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Fundamental Concepts
Review Following be Yourself
i. Newton’s Three Laws of Motion
ii. Newton’s Law of Gravitational Attraction
iii. Weight
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International System of Units
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International System of Units
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Numerical Calculations
Dimensional Homogeneity
The terms of any equation used to describe a physical process
must be dimensionally homogeneous; that is, each term must be
expressed in the same units. Provided this is the case, all the
terms of an equation can then be combined if numerical values
are substituted for the variables.
For example we can not do the following calculations directly
5 cm + 5 m
First we have to make the units same for both the quantities. Process
is as follows
5 cm + (5 m x 100) = 505 cm
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General Procedure for Analysis
Attending a lecture, reading this book, and studying the example
problems helps, but the most effective way of learning the principles
of engineering mechanics is to solve problems . To be successful at
this, it is important to always present the work in a logical and orderly
manner , as suggested by the following sequence of steps:
Read the problem carefully and try to correlate the actual physical
situation with the theory studied.
Tabulate the problem data and draw to a large scale any necessary
diagrams.
Apply the relevant principles, generally in mathematical form. When
writing any equations, be sure they are dimensionally homogeneous.
Solve the necessary equations, and report the answer with no more
than three significant figures.
Study the answer with technical judgment and common sense to 13
determine whether or not it seems reasonable.
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Example and Problems
To be solved on the board.
1. Convert 100 km/h to m/s and 24 m/s to km/h
Answer: 27.8 m/s and 86.4 km/h
2. Convert the density of steel 7.85 g/cm3 to kg/m3
Answer: 7.85 x 103 kg/m3
Problem: A concrete column has a diameter of 350 mm and a length of 2
m. If the density (mass/volume) of concrete is 2.45 Mg/m3, determine
the weight of the column.
Answer: 4.63 kN
Problem: If a man weighs 690 newtons on earth, specify (a) his mass in
kilograms. If the man is on the moon, where the acceleration due to
gravity is gm = 1.61 m/s , determine (b) his weight in newtons, and (c)
his mass in kilograms. 15
Example and Problems
Problem: The specific weight (wt./voL) of brass is 520 (lb/ft)
Determine its density (mass/voL) in SI units. Use an appropriate
prefix.
Answer: 8.33 Mg/m3
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Concluded
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