Course Overview
This course covers topics in strength of materials with emphasis on problem solving and with an introduction to design for safety of structural members, mechanical devices, and systems. Topics include stress, strain and deflection, tension, compression, shear, torsion, and buckling. Applications include beams, columns, shafts, thin, and thick-walled cylinders.
Prerequisite(s)
- 50% in MECH 1141
Credits
5.5
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$804.67 - $821.05 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Calculate the stresses in a member under direct normal or direct shear loads. [1,2]
- Calculate stress/strain due to normal/shear loads and temperature changes. [1,2]
- Compute the stress and twist of a shaft under torsional loading. [1,2]
- Create shear and bending moment diagrams for a beam. [1]
- Calculate the cross sectional moment of inertia using the parallel axis theorem. [1,2]
- Calculate the bending stress distribution in a beam using the flexure formula. [1,2]
- Calculate the shear stress distribution and max shear stress within a beam. [1,2]
- Calculate deflection using deflection formulas and the principle of superposition. [1,2]
- Use Mohr's circle to determine stresses in a beam under combined loadings. [1]
- Design for safety under normal, shear, torsional, bending, and combined loads. [1]
- Determine the buckling load for a column. [1,2]
- Calculate the stresses in cylindrical and spherical pressure vessels. [1,2]
Effective as of Fall 2023
Related Programs
Strength of Materials (MECH 2240) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (Mechanical Design Option)
Diploma Full-time
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (Mechanical Manufacturing Option)
Diploma Full-time
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (Mechanical Systems Option)
Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below are two offerings of MECH 2240 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 66963
Dates
Jun 09 - Aug 20 Loading
- CRN 66963
- $804.67 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 09 - Aug 20 | Tue, Thu | 18:30 - 21:30 | Online |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
Cyrus Raoufi
Course outline
Important information
- Please purchase any required course material such as textbooks prior to the first class - www.bcit.ca/bookstore/ Note: Please contact the Program Assistant at soepts@bcit.ca for additional information. BCIT reserves the right to cancel courses. In the event of a course cancellation, you will be notified at least two business days prior to the course start. Please ensure that your contact information is current.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 69907
Dates
Jun 22 - Aug 26 Loading
- CRN 69907
- $804.67 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
10 weeks
Instructor
Jalal Taheri Kahnamouei
Course outline
Important information
- No class on July 1st, 2026. (Canada Day). No class on August 3rd, 2026. (B.C. Day).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of MECH 2240 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 30872
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 19 Loading
- CRN 30872
- $821.05 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 19 | Tue, Thu | 18:45 - 21:45 | Online |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
Henry Chang
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.