WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
_________ CAMPUS
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS & SCIENCES
Wayland Mission Statement: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an
academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for
professional success and service to God and humankind.
Course Title and Number: MATH 3303-Section; Vector Mechanics
Term:
Name of Instructor:
Office Phone Number and WBU Email Address:
Office Hours, Building, and Location:
Class Meeting Time and Location:
Catalog Description: Vector algebra, components of vector forces, equilibrium, moments,
couples, free-body diagrams, centroids, and analysis of structures. Note: Designed primarily
for pre-engineering students
Prerequisites: MATH 3300 (Calculus III) or consent of instructor
Required Textbook: *Choose from approved textbook list
Supplies: All students need to have a scientific calculator
Course Outline/Outcome Competencies: You should be familiar with the following topics
and be able to use them to set up and solve mathematical models of real world problems
Introduction
What is Mechanics?
Fundamental concepts and principles
Systems of Units
Conversion from one system of units to another
Method of problem solution
Numerical accuracy
Statics of Particles
Introduction
Forces in a Plane
Force on a particle. Resultant of two forces
Vectors
Addition of vectors
Resultant of several concurrent forces
Resolution of a force into components
Rectangular components of a force. Unit vectors
Addition of forces by summing x and y components
Equilibrium of a particle
Newton’s first law of motion
Problems involving the equilibrium of a particle. Free-body diagrams
Forces in Space
Rectangular components of a force in space
Force defined by its magnitude and two points on its line of action
Addition of concurrent forces in space
Equilibrium of a particle in space
Rigid Bodies: Equivalent Systems of Forces
Introduction
External and internal forces
Principle of transmissibility. Equivalent forces
Vector product of two vectors
Vector products expressed in terms of rectangular components
Moment of a force about a point
Varignon’s Theorem
Rectangular components of the moment of a force
Scalar product of two vectors
Mixed triple product of three vectors
Moment of a force about a given axis
Moment of a couple
Equivalent couples
Addition of couples
Couples can be represented by vectors
Resolution of a given force into a force at O and a couple
Reduction of a system of forces to one force and one couple
Equivalent systems of forces
Equipollent systems of vectors
Further reduction of a system of forces
Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies
Introduction
Free-body diagram
Equilibrium in two dimensions
Reactions at supports and connections for a two-dimensional structure
Equilibrium of a rigid body in two dimensions
Statically indeterminate reactions. Partial constraints
Equilibrium of a two-force body
Equilibrium of a three-force body
Equilibrium in three dimensions
Equilibrium of a rigid body in three dimensions
Reactions at supports and connections for a three-dimensional structure
Distributed Forces: Centroids and Centers of Gravity
Introduction
Areas and Lines
Center of gravity of a two-dimensional body
Centroids of areas and lines
First moments of areas and lines
Composite plates and wires
Determination of centroids by integration
Theorems of Pappus-Guildinus
Volumes
Center of gravity of a three-dimensional body. Centroid of a volume
Composite bodies
Analysis of Structures
Introduction
Trusses
Definition of a truss
Simple trusses
Analysis of trusses by the Method of Joints
Analysis of trusses by the Method of Sections
Frames and Machines
Structures Containing Multiforce Members
Analysis of a Frame
Frames which Cease to be Rigid when Detached from Their Supports
Machines
Forces in Beams and Cables
Introduction
Internal Forces in Members
Beams
Various types of loading and Support
Shear and Bending Moment in a Beam
Shear and Bending-Moment Diagrams
Relations among Load, Shear, and Bending Moment
Attendance Requirements: All students are expected to attend all class sessions and are
responsible for knowing the material covered. No quizzes or exams can be made up unless
arrangements prior to the absence have been made. Any student missing more than 25%
of the class will fail the class.
Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty: Wayland Baptist University
observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty. Per university policy as
described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic dishonesty will be reported and
second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
Disability Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(ADA), it is the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with
a disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to
discrimination under any educational program or activity in the university. The Coordinator
of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be
contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a
disability must accompany any request for accommodations.
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria: – suggested
Homework: There will be homework assignments for each section covered. Each
section’s assignment counts as one grade. You may work together, but do not
copy. No late homework will be accepted. If there are extreme circumstances,
contact your instructor.
Exams: During the semester there will be 3 exams. The class period prior to each
exam will include a review. The final exam is comprehensive and all students will be
required to take the Final Exam.
Grading:
%
%
%
Exams
Homework
Final Exam
A: 90 – 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 60 – 69
F: Below 60
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or
capricious academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been
held to realistic academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate
grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course by using the student grade
appeal process described in the Academic Catalog. Appeals may not be made for
advanced placement examinations or course bypass examinations. Appeals are
limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised, or lowered at any
stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must be
submitted through the Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly
Grade Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade
Appeals Committee may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered
to a more proper evaluation.
Tentative Schedule:
Academic Honesty: Disciplinary action for academic misconduct is the responsibility of the
faculty member assigned to this course. The faculty member is charged with assessing the
gravity of any case of academic dishonesty, and with giving sanctions to any student
involved.
Important Dates:
Last
Last
Last
Last
day to drop without record
day to withdraw with “W”
day to withdraw with a “WP/WF”
Class
This syllabus is only a plan. The teacher may modify the plan during the course. The
requirements and grading criteria may be changed during the course if necessary.
Revised 03/18/15