The aim of this subject is to develop an understanding of mechanical problems and apply mathematical formulae and techniques to their analysis. This subject forms the basis for further study in second and third year.
Introduction to Statics: Forces. Systems of units: units, mass, force, weight. Forces and reactions. Representation of a force by a vector.
Vector Algebra: Graphical addition, parallelogram of forces. Equilibrant and resultant. Triangle of forces, polygon of forces. Resolving forces into orthogonal axis. Mathematical addition of forces.
Free body diagrams: Free body diagrams, Practical problems.
Moments: Moment, Effects of a force; turning effect; moments, resultant moment, balancing moments; Calculation of forces in beams and brackets. Principle of moments to calculate the reactions of beams. Calculation of the centres of gravity of various laminae.
Friction: Friction force, limiting friction force; law of friction, coefficient of friction (static & dynamic); friction on a horizontal plane; friction on a inclined plane.
Linear Motion: Motion in a straight line; distance and speed, concept of scalars and vectors; velocity and acceleration; equations of motion (derivation); acceleration of a falling body. Projectiles.
Newton’s laws of Motion: Three laws of motion & applications.
