CE 214: Engineering Mechanics – Statics

Instructor: Petr Kabele
Credits: 3
GEP: Elective

*Restricted to non-CE, CON, & CCEE majors.

Course Description

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of engineering mechanics. We will start by reviewing the general method of mechanics and principles of analysis. Then, we will define the basic quantities (force and moment) and relations, which are necessary for describing and analyzing, in a systematic mathematical way, the equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies. Along the way, students will also learn how to treat distributed loads and how to find the centroid/center of gravity and moments of inertia of bodies and areas. Eventually, we will put a strong emphasis on applying the concepts to solving the equilibrium of simple structures (trusses, frames and machines) and analyzing internal forces in beams, when they are acted on by external loads.

This course is fundamental to several subsequent courses in civil engineering and other engineering degree programs. Credit will not be given for both CE 214 and MAE 206.

Learning Outcomes

This course is fundamental to several subsequent courses in civil engineering and other engineering degree programs. A grade of C- or better is required in CE 214 to take CE 215, CE 225. By the end of CE 214 students will be able to:

1. Draw free-body diagrams
2. Formulate and solve the equations of equilibrium
3. Analyze internal forces for simple structures
4. Construct shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams
5. Determine the centroid, center of gravity, and moment of inertia
6. Determine friction forces and their effects on rigid bodies