Statics For Dummies

The fast and easy way to ace your statics course

Does the study of statics stress you out? Does just the thought of mechanics make you rigid? Thanks to this book, you can find balance in the study of this often-intimidating subject and ace even the most challenging university-level courses.

Statics For Dummies gives you easy-to-follow, plain-English explanations for everything you need to grasp the study of statics. You'll get a thorough introduction to this foundational branch of engineering and easy-to-follow coverage of solving problems involving forces on bodies at rest; vector algebra; force systems; equivalent force systems; distributed forces; internal forces; principles of equilibrium; applications to trusses, frames, and beams; and friction.

• Offers a comprehensible introduction to statics
• Covers all the major topics you'll encounter in university-level courses
• Plain-English guidance help you grasp even the most confusing concepts

If you're currently enrolled in a statics course and looking for a friendlier way to get a handle on the subject, Statics For Dummies has you covered.

Introduction 1

Part I: Setting the Stage for Statics 7

Chapter 1: Using Statics to Describe the World around You 9

Chapter 2: A Quick Mathematics Refresher 17

Chapter 3: Working with Unit Systems and Constants 31

Part II: Your Statics Foundation: Vector Basics 39

Chapter 4: Viewing the World through Vectors 41

Chapter 5: Using Vectors to Better Defi ne Direction 51

Chapter 6: Vector Mathematics and Identities 69

Chapter 7: Turning Multiple Vectors into a Single Vector Resultant 79

Chapter 8: Breaking Down a Vector into Components 95

Part III: Forces and Moments as Vectors 107

Chapter 9: Applying Concentrated Forces and External Point Loads 109

Chapter 10: Spreading It Out: Understanding Distributed Loads 123

Chapter 11: Finding the Centers of Objects and Regions 135

Chapter 12: Special Occasions in the Life of a Force Vector: Moments and Couples 149

Part IV: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words (Or At Least a Few Equations): Free-Body Diagrams 167

Chapter 13: Anatomy of a Free-Body Diagram 169

Chapter 14: The F.B.D.: Knowing What to Draw and How to Draw It 185

Chapter 15: Simplifying a Free-Body Diagram 199

Part V: A Question of Balance: Equilibrium 207

Chapter 16: Mr. Newton Has Entered the Building: The Basics of Equilibrium 209

Chapter 17: Taking a Closer Look at Two-Dimensional Equilibrium: Scalar Methods 219

Chapter 18: Getting Better Acquainted with Three-Dimensional Equilibrium: Vector Methods 229

Part VI: Statics in Action 241

Chapter 19: Working with Trusses 243

Chapter 20: Analyzing Beams and Bending Members 259

Chapter 21: Working with Frames and Machines 279

Chapter 22: A Different Kind of Axial System: Cable Systems 293

Chapter 23: Those Darn Dam Problems: Submerged Surfaces 309

Chapter 24: Incorporating Friction into Your Applications 321

Part VII: The Part of Tens 339

Chapter 25: Ten Steps to Solving Any Statics Problem 341

Chapter 26: Ten Tips for Surviving a Statics Exam 347

Index 353

James H. Allen III, PE, PhD, is a registered professional engineer who teaches courses in the areas of statics, mechanics, structural engineering, and steel design. The fast and easy way to ace your statics course

Does the study of statics stress you out? Thanks to this book, you can find balance in the study of this often-intimidating subject. You'll get a thorough introduction to this foundational branch of engineering and easy-to-follow coverage of the topics you need to ace even the most challenging university-level course.

• Refresh yourself — get a refresher course on the mathematics you'll encounter in statics, from basic algebra and exponents to calculus, trigonometry, and geometry

• Find your vector — discover the basic principles of vectors, learn how to depict them graphically, and use vectors to describe direction from one point to another

• May the force be with you — learn how you can use vectors to describe forces and movements

• Go back to the drawing board — get the lowdown on free-body diagrams, from how to draw them to how to use them to analyze problems

• Search for stability — understand the two fundamental types of equilibrium and get an introduction to Newton's basic theorems and the techniques used to solve equilibrium problems

• Put your statics knowledge to work — study real-world systems, from trusses, frames, and machines to submerged surfaces and beyond

Open the book and find:

• Key concepts in statics

• Units of measure and constants used in statics

• Basic properties of vectors

• Clear explanations of how forces affect objects

• The difference between internal and external forces

• How to draw and simplify free-body diagrams

• Newton's laws of equilibrium

• Important things to remember when solving a statics problem

Learn to:

• Grasp the study of statics for success in the classroom

• Apply complex concepts such as vectors, internal and external forces, and free-body diagrams

• Solve problems in every aspect of statics