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ME 3133 Dynamics, Summer Semester 2014

General Course Information
2142 Patrick Taylor, Mon-Tue-Weds-Thu-Fri
Section 1: 1:20 PM Lecture & 2:30 PM Recitation
Section 2: 5:30 PM Lecture & 6:30 PM Recitation
Catalog Statement

ME3133 Dynamics (3) Prereq: A grade of C or better in MATH 1552 and CE 2450. 2 hrs.
lecture; 2 hrs. recitation. Vectorial treatment of kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid
bodies; force, mass, acceleration; impulse and momentum; work and energy.
ABET Course Objectives:
This course lays the foundation for mathematically characterizing the motions of objects and
understanding the effect of forces/moments on that motion. The main objectives of the course include:
i) Developing the ability to mathematically describe the absolute and relative motion (position,
velocity, acceleration) of points (particles) and rigid bodies (coordinate systems) using Cartesian,
Polar & Path Coordinate frames;
ii) Developing the ability to model mechanical object(s) and identify relevant loads (forces, moments)
which alter or affect the motion of the objects(s) and construct appropriate Free Body Diagrams
(FBD) depicting relevant loads;
iii) Developing the ability to apply basic kinetic principles (Newtons Laws, Work-Energy, Impulse-
Momentum) for determining the effect of any load(s) on the motion of object(s).
Text & Reference Materials:
J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige. Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics, 7
th
Edition, John Wiley & Sons,
New Jersey, 2007. ISBN 978-0-470-61481-5 (Hardcover) 978-1-118-32428-8 (E-Text) (REQUIRED)
Grading Policy:
Your final grade is based on a 100 point scale with 90A, 80B, 70C, and 60D. The points
are accumulated in the following manner:

Examinations: Exams (In-Class, 2 hours) 3 @ 20%
Final Exam (2 hours)
60
25
Homework 10
Quizzes & Participation 5
Total 100

An additional factor affecting your final grade is based on your completing home assignments
on time, your instructors evaluation of the quality of work you have done, participation in class
discussions and assignments, and overall performance improvement as the semester progresses.



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General Course Information Summer 2014
Regrade Policy:
Graded assignments will typically be returned at the start of recitation quizzes (~couple of
days) and examinations (1-2 weeks). Solutions to any quiz/exam problems will, for a brief time
period, be accessible through the course Moodle using your myLSU account.
All questions regarding the grading of any assignment/exam (other than points being added
incorrectly) are handled exclusively through written request and will only be accepted within the first
week after grading is completed, announced in class and the assignment is made available. To submit a
regrade request, print/type your name on a separate sheet of paper and include a concise explanation of
all your concerns/questions and JUSTIFY why you think you deserve additional credit. Staple this
sheet to the front of your graded assignment/exam and resubmit it to your instructor or one of the TAs
during office hours. Do not alter the original assignment, if you must write on it, use pen of a different
color than the original work and grading marks. The assignment will be regraded in its entirety and
returned to you. If you continue to have concerns, arrange for an appointment with your instructor to
discuss the issue.
Examinations:
Examinations are comprehensive and are generally given in lecture/recitation on the dates
indicated on the enclosed schedule. Schedule conflicts must be resolved prior to the exam date and NO
makeup exams are given. Depending on the class size, students may be required to present their LSU
ID before being allowed to take an exam. Students with disability accommodations must work with
your instructor to get these arranged well in advance of the exam. ALL CELL PHONES MUST BE
PUT AWAY & NOT VISIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE EXAMS.
All exams will be closed book, closed notes; however, a general formula sheet will be provided
with each test. Calculators MAY or MAY NOT be allowed depending on the examination content (i.e.
learn to think without them!) we will practice this on weekly quizzes. When allowed, calculators may
only be used for simple algebraic and trigonometric operations (i.e. no precanned programmable
features this is considered cheating). A comprehensive final exam will be given during finals week
with a section of the final exam with particular emphasis on material not covered in the previous tests.
Graded examinations will be available approximately 1-2 weeks after each exam date.
Homework, Quizzes, Format, Grading, Solutions:
Experience has shown the key to a students success in dynamics is practicing formulation of
solution strategies to problems in a timely fashion. As such, you will be provided a list of Homework
problems that touch on most but not always every detailed aspect of principles developed in lecture.
CAUTION: Simply reviewing problem solutions is woefully inadequate preparation for resolving
exam problems where time is limited. Dont memorize solutions. Instead understand why a principle
was applied. Consider alternative but equally appropriate methods to resolve the same problem and
compare the final results in relation to the effort required to extract the answer. Use a
technique/principle you have mastered fully to develop a stronger understanding of others that are
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General Course Information Summer 2014
equivalent but less apparent. Consider slightly different questions that could be asked about the same
problem such as a time required instead of the distance traveled. Learn techniques to validate/confirm
the accuracy of your answer OTHER THAN the back of the book. Practice extra problems and TIME
YOURSELF mimic exam conditions! Lastly, learn to ask for help long BEFORE it is an issue!

Semi-pop quizzes may also be given throughout the semester generally at the end of lecture
or in recitation. These will be based on a suggested list of practice problems focused on material
covered in the last two or three lecture periods and NO CALCULATORs will be allowed.
Recitations will focus on formulation of solution strategies to suite of assigned as well as
selected additional problems (based on recommendations of previous classes). Solutions to the
additional problems will NOT be posted. Suggested problem assignments are numbered and recorded
according to the Lecture Number in which the material is covered (see the schedule).
To assist with QUIZ/EXAM grading and promote development of sound problem solving skills,
ALL assignments submitted for grading must be well organized, neat, and legible including figures -
POORLY PRESENTED WORK MAY BE AWARDED ZERO (NO) CREDIT.
For suggested home problems, A CONSISTENT FORMAT IS ENFORCED. Start each
problem on a new sheet and PRINT your name, LSU ID, and recitation section number in the top left
hand corner and the problem number in the top center (see below).
M.D. Tiger, 1234, Sect: 1 Prob. 12-44 1 of 2
On subsequent worksheets, include your LSU ID and the problem number again. Number each page in
the top right hand corner starting with 1 on the first work sheet for each problem. Use a straight edge
and/or french curve to assist you. All pages in an assignment must be cut or neatly folded to normal
letter size (8-1/2 x 11). Separate each page of a computer code printout, trim off any perforated
edges and staple the pages together. Do NOT use paper clips or binder clips!
Use the Given:, Find:, Solution: format for presenting your work (see the Homework Addenda).
The homework and your solution should be self contained, i.e. you should concisely represent the
problem elements in your own words (or reproduce the stated problem in the appropriate format,
referencing any copied material). On home problems, quizzes, exams - be sure to be neatly organize
and concisely summarize your work, explicitly state all assumptions you make or principles applied to
resolve the problem, and BOX , underline or otherwise clearly mark what you consider to be
your answers. A sample homework will be made available on the course Moodle to help address any
questions you might have. Remember, neatness counts and sloppy work may receive no credit.
Submitting Homeworks ELECTRONICALLY for Grading: Starting Spring 2014, all
Homework assignments will be submitted electronically to facilitate ease of collection and
redistribution (large class). The Engineering Communication Studio (PFT 2302) has a digital scanner
available to convert your handwritten work to PDF format. Only homework assignments that are
well-oriented and are in a single PDF format will be graded. The assignment can then be
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uploaded/submitted into myLSU/Moodle by midnight (11:55 PM) on the due date with is the next
regularly scheduled lecture day (skipping exam days). Your homework will be graded on a 10 point
scale. Although students should submit all homework assignments, not all of them will be graded.
Certain problems will be selected by instructor/TAs for grading.

Academic Dishonesty:
Unless otherwised stated, any work for credit assignments/exams are to be completed on an
individual basis or as part of an assigned group. Sharing of segments of computer code, homework or
reports is not allowed without obtaining prior written approval of your instructor and giving credit to
the appropriate source. Where noted, group discussions are permitted but the actual engineering
analyses, making design choices, writing computer programs and preparation of reports/assignments is
the responsibility of each individual. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated (when in doubt
ASK!). You will be asked to sign a statement indicating you understand and agree to abide by the
policies explained in class materials and detailed in the Code of Student Conduct. In accordance with
the Code of Student Conduct, all matters concerning academic dishonesty or computer abuse may be
turned over to the Dean of Students Office.
Classroom Courtesy, General Class Procedures, Office Hours, Class Representatives, etc:
As a professional courtesy and to minimize disruptions in class, please turn off your cell phone
(or equivalent) or switch them to silent ring mode and put them away. Laptop computers are allowed
in lecture ONLY for following ME 3133 lecture notes and materials and only if you are not disturbing
your classmates.
Students are responsible for all announcements made in lecture, recitation or distributed to the
class through myLSU/Moodle. Course information, announcements and grades will also typically be
posted online in the course management application - Moodle. It is a sound practice to check these
locations periodically for important updates and information you may have missed.
Assistance is available from the TA, SI or the instructor during office hours posted on the
following page; however, do not expect the staff to do your homework for you! Carefully prepare your
questions beforehand and answer as many of them as possible for yourself. Please observe the posted
office hours for this course and confine your visits to those time slots. If the posted hours conflict with
your schedule, you can make an appointment and alternate arrangements will be made to accomodate
you. DONT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO ASK FOR HELP!
LEARN TO USE ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)! You are encouraged to use your myLSU account
and electronic mail as this is a great way to communicate with your instructor and TAs for this course.
It will improve the response time for most of your questions and effectively extends office hours during
which you can get questions answered. Your instructor regularly checks and responds to his email.
Students NOT using the myLSU email should have it set to forward all campus correspondence to their
preferred email ID.
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Class Liaison for Suggestions/Comments/Grievances
Members of your class will be designated as student representatives for anonymously voicing
concerns, relaying suggestions, etc. about the progress of this class. You are encouraged to work with
these folks to present your constructive suggestions, compliments, concerns and/or complaints to the
instructor. You are also encouraged to bring in any reports, general literature or other information
which you come across outside of class that may add to or improve the content or delivery of the
course. Such contributions are welcomed and appreciated as are constructive comments about the
course materials, the course itself or even the ME Curriculum in general.

Office Hours:
Instructor: SI & GA Assistants:
Ali Beheshti, Ph.D. Ajay A. Kardak
Research Associate / Teaching Fellow Ph.D. Student
Office: PFTaylor 3152 B akarda1@lsu.edu
e-mail: abehes1@lsu.edu
Hours: (3:30-5:30 Monday) by appointment
Amit Maha
Ph.D. Student
amaha@lsu.edu