Introduction:

Engineering mechanics is the foundation of engineering design, understanding forces, motion, and material behaviors under different conditions. This 5-day introductory course will provide participants with a solid understanding of the basic principles of mechanics that govern the behavior of structures and materials. Topics will include static and dynamic systems, equilibrium analysis, forces, moments, and the application of these principles in real-world engineering scenarios. By the end of the course, participants will be able to analyze and solve fundamental engineering problems related to forces and motion, providing a strong foundation for more advanced engineering studies and applications.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the basic principles of engineering mechanics, including forces, moments, and equilibrium.
2. Learn to analyze both static and dynamic systems.
3. Understand the concepts of rigid body mechanics and the laws of motion.
4. Gain practical experience in calculating forces, moments, and accelerations in simple engineering systems.
5. Develop the ability to solve basic problems involving forces and motion in real-world engineering contexts.
6. Be familiar with key applications of mechanics in engineering fields such as structural, mechanical, and civil engineering.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for individuals who are new to the field of engineering or those who need a refresher in the fundamentals of mechanics, including:

• Engineering Students (Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, etc.)
• New Engineers and Graduates
• Technicians and Support Staff in Engineering Fields
• Anyone looking to build a foundation in engineering mechanics

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Engineering Mechanics and Forces

• Session 1: What is Engineering Mechanics?
  • Definition and Scope of Engineering Mechanics
  • Importance in Various Engineering Disciplines (Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, etc.)
  • Overview of the Course and Key Concepts
• Session 2: Forces and Vectors
  • What is a Force? Types of Forces: Contact vs. Body Forces
  • Vector Representation of Forces
  • Force Components and Resultant Force
• Session 3: Units and Measurement in Engineering Mechanics
  • Standard Units of Measurement in Mechanics (SI and Imperial Units)
  • Conversion between Units
  • Key Units: Newton, Kilogram, Meter, etc.
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Solving Simple Force Problems Using Vector Addition

Day 2: Equilibrium and Free-Body Diagrams

• Session 1: Introduction to Equilibrium
  • Definition of Equilibrium in Engineering Mechanics
  • Conditions for Equilibrium: The First and Second Conditions (Sum of Forces = 0, Sum of Moments = 0)
  • Static Equilibrium in 2D and 3D
• Session 2: Free-Body Diagrams (FBD)
  • The Concept of Free-Body Diagrams and Their Importance
  • Steps in Drawing a Free-Body Diagram
  • Identifying Forces, Moments, and Reactions
• Session 3: Solving Equilibrium Problems
  • Solving Simple Static Equilibrium Problems Using FBDs
  • Application to Beams, Trusses, and Frames
• Activity: Workshop – Drawing Free-Body Diagrams and Solving Equilibrium Problems

Day 3: Moments, Couples, and Friction

• Session 1: Moments and Couples
  • Definition and Calculation of Moments (M = F × d)
  • Concept of a Couple: Two Equal and Opposite Forces
  • Torque and Its Significance in Engineering Systems
• Session 2: Friction and Its Role in Mechanics
  • Types of Friction: Static and Kinetic Friction
  • The Laws of Friction: μ = F/N
  • Applications of Friction in Engineering Problems (e.g., Sliding, Rolling)
• Session 3: Applications of Moments and Friction
  • Solving Problems Involving Moment Calculations and Frictional Forces
  • Example Applications: Mechanical Systems, Ramps, Pulley Systems
• Activity: Group Exercise – Solving Problems with Moments and Friction

Day 4: Kinematics and Kinetics of Particles

• Session 1: Introduction to Kinematics
  • What is Kinematics? Describing Motion Without Considering Forces
  • Velocity, Acceleration, and Their Derivatives
  • Types of Motion: Rectilinear and Curvilinear Motion
• Session 2: Kinetics of Particles
  • Newton’s Second Law of Motion: F = ma
  • Application of Kinetics to Simple Particle Systems
  • Work-Energy Theorem and Impulse-Momentum Principle
• Session 3: Work, Energy, and Power
  • Definition and Calculation of Work Done by Forces
  • Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy
  • Power: Work Done per Unit Time and Its Significance in Engineering
• Activity: Hands-on Exercise – Analyzing Motion and Energy in Simple Systems

Day 5: Dynamics of Rigid Bodies and Practical Applications

• Session 1: Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
  • Definition and Concepts of Rigid Body Motion
  • Translational Motion and Rotational Motion of Rigid Bodies
  • Moment of Inertia and Its Role in Rotational Motion
• Session 2: Vibrations and Oscillations
  • Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) and Its Engineering Applications
  • Vibrations in Mechanical Systems: Springs, Pendulums, and Machinery
  • Damped and Forced Vibrations
• Session 3: Practical Applications in Engineering
  • Application of Engineering Mechanics in Structural, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering
  • Real-World Examples: Bridges, Buildings, Machinery, and Vehicles
  • Integration of Mechanics with Other Engineering Disciplines
• Activity: Final Group Project – Solving a Real-World Engineering Problem Using Basic Mechanics Principles

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Sessions: Engaging lectures focusing on theoretical concepts and their practical applications.
• Hands-on Exercises: Practical problem-solving sessions to apply concepts learned.
• Case Studies: Real-world applications of engineering mechanics in various fields.
• Group Activities: Collaborative projects to encourage teamwork and problem-solving.