JJ205JJ205-ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Fundamental Concepts WHAT IS MECHANICS? Study of what happens to a thing (the technical name isbody) when FORCES are applied to it. Either the body or the forces could be large or small.

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An Overview of Mechanics

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Particles vs. Objects

Particles: y Point mass y No geometry y Rotation is not important Objects y Contain mass y Have geometry y Rotation is important
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Systems of Units
Four fundamental physical quantities: y Length, mass, time, force (derived unit) One equation relates them, F=ma y We use this equation to develop systems of units y Units are arbitrary names we give to the physical quantities
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Newtons Law of Motion

First Law: A particle originally at rest, or moving in a straight line with constant velocity, will remain in this state provided the particle is not subjected to an unbalanced force. y Second Law: Force is not balanced: F = ma y Third Law: The mutual forces of action and reaction between two particles are equal, opposite and collinear.
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Mass and Weight

Mass is an absolute property of a body. It is independent of the gravitational field in which it is measured. The mass provides a measure of the resistance of a body to a change in velocity, as defined by Newtons second law of motion (m = F/a). The weight of a body is not absolute, since it depends on the gravitational field in which it is measured. Weight is defined as W = mg where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s2)
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Newtons Law of Gravitational Attraction

Any two particles or bodies have a mutually attractive gravitational force acting between them. Newton postulated the law governing this gravitational force as F = G(m1m2/r2) where F = force of attraction between the two bodies, G = universal constant of gravitation , m1 , m 2 = mass of each body, and r = distance between centers of the two bodies.
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Common Prefixes
1012 109 106 103 102 101 Tera Giga Mega Kilo Hecto Deka T G M k h da 10-12 10-9 10-6 10-3 10-2 10-1 Pico Nano Micro Milli Centi Deci p n m c d

JJ205-ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Rules for Using SI Symbols

No Plurals (e.g., m = 5 kg not kgs ) y Separate Units with a (e.g., meter second = m s ) y Most symbols are in lowercase ( some exception are N, Pa, M and G) y Exponential powers apply to units , e.g., cm2 = cm cm y Other rules are given in your textbook
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Numerical Calculation
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Must have dimensional homogeneity. Dimensions have to be the same on both sides of the equal sign, (e.g. distance = speed time.) Use an appropriate number of significant figures (3 for answer, at least 4 for intermediate calculations). Be consistent when rounding off. - greater than 5, round up (3528 3530) - smaller than 5, round down (0.03521 0.0352)
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Problem Solving Strategy

1. Interpret: Read carefully and determine what is given and what is to be found/ delivered. Ask, if not clear. If necessary, make assumptions and indicate them. 2. Plan: Think about major steps (or a road map) that you will take to solve a given problem. Think of alternative/creative solutions and choose the best one. 3. Execute: Carry out your steps. Use appropriate diagrams and equations. Estimate your answers. Avoid simple calculation mistakes. Reflect on / revise your work.

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