Course Overview
This course develops the fundamental concepts of classical mechanics (statics and dynamics). Topics include linear and rotational kinematics, relative motion, force vectors, force system resultants, moments, centroids, free body diagrams, particle and rigid body equilibrium, structural analysis, Newton's laws, and work and energy. This course uses of a variety of mathematical tools including vector/matrix algebra, linear and non-linear equations, and differential/integral/vector calculus. Lab work consists of both physical experiments and numerical simulations (students will write computer programs using Matlab or C/C++ code), both of which illustrate fundamental physical concepts (mass, force, equilibrium, inertia).
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- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Describe fundamental concepts and idealizations used in mechanics. [1]
- Describe Newton’s laws of motion and their application to mechanical systems. [1]
- Describe mechanical system loading and mechanical friction using force and moment vectors. [1]
- Perform vector operations including addition, subtraction, dot and cross products. [1,2]
- Develop free body diagrams (FBDs) for accelerating and non-accelerating mechanical systems. [1,2]
- Solve static equilibrium problems for systems of particles and rigid bodies using FBDs and Newton's laws. [1,2,5,6]
- Describe the kinematic concepts of position, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration. [1]
- Determine absolute and relative motion kinematics for particles and rigid bodies. [1,2]
- Solve problems for accelerating systems of particles and rigid bodies using FBDs and Newton's laws. Describe mechanical system work, energy, and power. [1,2,5,6]
- Apply work and energy principles to systems of particles and rigid bodies. [1,2]
Engineering accreditation
The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) oversees the accreditation of engineering programs across Canada. To measure the effectiveness of an engineering program the CEAB has identified twelve specific attributes that the graduate is expected to possess and use as the foundation to developing and advancing an engineering career. To ensure that the overall curriculum of the Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical program covers these attributes sufficiently, the learning outcomes for each course have been mapped to applicable CEAB graduate attributes.
1. A knowledge base for engineering: Demonstrated competence in university level mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals, and specialized engineering knowledge appropriate to the program.
2. Problem analysis: An ability to use appropriate knowledge and skills to identify, formulate, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems in order to reach substantiated conclusions.
3. Investigation: An ability to conduct investigations of complex problems by methods that include appropriate experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information in order to reach valid conclusions.
4. Design: An ability to design solutions for complex, open-ended engineering problems and to design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate attention to health and safety risks, applicable standards, and economic, environmental, cultural and societal considerations.
5. Use of engineering tools: An ability to create, select, apply, adapt, and extend appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools to a range of engineering activities, from simple to complex, with an understanding of the associated limitations.
6. Individual and team work: An ability to work effectively as a member and leader in teams, preferably in a multi-disciplinary setting.
7. Communication skills: An ability to communicate complex engineering concepts within the profession and with society at large. Such ability includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, and the ability to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, and to give and effectively respond to clear instructions.
8. Professionalism: An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professional engineer in society, especially the primary role of protection of the public and the public interest.
9. Impact of engineering on society and the environment: An ability to analyze social and environmental aspects of engineering activities. Such ability includes an understanding of the interactions that engineering has with the economic, social, health, safety, legal, and cultural aspects of society, the uncertainties in the prediction of such interactions; and the concepts of sustainable design and development and environmental stewardship.
10. Ethics and equity: An ability to apply professional ethics, accountability, and equity.
11. Economics and project management: An ability to appropriately incorporate economics and business practices including project, risk, and change management into the practice of engineering and to understand their limitations.
12. Life-long learning: An ability to identify and to address their own educational needs in a changing world in ways sufficient to maintain their competence and to allow them to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Effective as of Fall 2017
Related Programs
Statics and Dynamics (MECH 4630) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
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