DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICS

The courses in mechanics are designed to provide the student with a sound foundation in a subject which occupies a position of basic importance in all branches of engineering and especially in the analysis and design of machines and structures.

While some emphasis is placed on routine calculations and development of formulas, the main objective of the courses is to present general methods of attack and a scientific point of view. The greatest emphasis is placed upon the ability to carry on sustained work at reasonably high levels.

A considerable portion of the time in the courses is devoted to the solution of problems of a practical nature and largely drawn from the field of engineering. In connection with these problems stress is laid on clearness of statement and accuracy of formulation and solution. The technique and methodology are considered of extreme importance in undergraduate study.

The recitations are individual as far as possible and are supplemented by group discussions. It is believed that progressive tests are the fairest criteria for determining the students’ mastery of the subject. Written examinations form an essential part of the courses.

SUBJECTS OF INSTRUCTION
in the
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICS

Mech 20 Statics. Prerequisites: Math 1, Phys 1, 2.

The course is designed to provide the prospective engineer with a thorough training in the fundamentals of statics, which form an indispensable background for the study of engineering subjects of a more specialized character. The student is acquainted with the underlying assumptions and broad general principles of the science and is encouraged to apply them in the solution of a great variety of problems of practical interest to the engineer.

The principal topics covered in this course are: composition and resolution of forces and couples; equilibrium; analysis of simple frameworks; flexible cables; the laws of friction with general application and special reference to journal, belt and pivot friction, and rolling resistance.

Texts: Seely and Ensign, “Analytical Mechanics”; Joffe, “Problems in Mechanics”.

Mech 21 Kinematics and Kinetics. Prerequisites: Mech 20, Math 21.

This course treats of the laws governing motions of bodies with applications to conditions most frequently met in engineering practice. The principal topics covered under kinematics are: linear and angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration; rectilinear and curvilinear motion; motion curves; relative motion; motion of rigid bodies; instantaneous center. The principal topics covered under kinetics are: Newton’s laws applied to the motion of a particle; D’Alembert’s principle; motion of the mass-center; translation, rotation and plane motion of a rigid body; work, power, energy, impulse, and momentum; principles of work and energy, principles of impulse and momentum, and their application to special types of motion of rigid bodies.

Texts: Seely and Ensign, “Analytical Mechanics”; Joffe, “Problems in Mechanics”.

Mech 22 Kinematics and Kinetics. Prerequisites: Mech 20, Math 21.

The general aim and content of this course is the same as that of Mechanics 21. Special emphasis is given to topics and problems of interest to the civil engineer. The work-energy method is used extensively in the solution of problems in kinetics.

Texts: Seely and Ensign, “Analytical Mechanics”; Joffe, “Problems in Mechanics”.

Mech 23 Kinematics and Kinetics. Prerequisites: Mech 20, Math 21.

The general aim and content of this course is the same as that of Mech 21. Special emphasis is given to topics and problems of interest to the mechanical engineer. The study of relative motion is extended to include Coriolis’ Law.

Texts: Seely and Ensign, “Analytical Mechanics”; Joffe, “Problems in Mechanics”.

Mech 24 Statics, Kinematics and Kinetics. Prerequisites: Math 21, Phys 3.

It is the aim of this course to acquaint the student of engineering with the fundamental laws, principles, and methods of mechanics, and to develop in him the ability to apply them in the solution of a great variety of problems of practical importance to the engineer. The principal topics included in this course are:

Statics—Composition and resolution of forces and couples; equilibrium; analysis of simple frameworks; the laws of friction with general applications, and special reference to journal, belt and pivot friction.

Kinematics—linear and angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration; rectilinear and curvilinear motion; motion curves; relative motion; motion of rigid bodies.

Kinetics—Newton’s laws applied to the motion of a particle; D’Alembert’s principle; motion of the mass-center; translation, rotation and plane motion of a rigid body; work, power, energy, impulse, and momentum; principles of work and energy, principles of impulse and momentum, and their application to special types of motion of rigid bodies.

Texts: Seely and Ensign, “Analytical Mechanics”: Joffe, “Problems in Mechanics”.