Engineering 201
Statics
Fall 2015
Prerequisites: 2nd quarter Calculus (Vector Algebra), high school geometry, minimum of high school
physics or concurrently taking college physics.
Textbook:
Vector Mechanics for Engineers - Statics, Beer, Johnston, & Eisenberg, Ninth edition, 2010
Instructor:
Mark Gorski
Bldg 18 Room 114
Phone 533-3250
Office Hours: 9:30 – 10:20 M – F or by appointment
e-mail: mark.gorski@sfcc.spokane.edu
Purpose:
Statics is a fundamental course for all engineering disciplines. Students will learn how to
logically analyze forces acting on a piece of equipment or structure and the resulting force
reactions. Students will work in teams and will complete a team design project. This is not a
“W”, writing intensive course.
Coverage:
Will include the following but not be limited to:
 Forces acting on particles and equilibrium of particles.
 Free body diagrams and analysis of forces.
 Forces acting on three dimensional objects and vector algebra methods.
 Forces acting on rigid bodies and equilibrium of rigid bodies in two and three dimensions.
 Centroids, centers of gravity, and distributed loads.
 Analysis of trusses, frames, and machines.
 Moments of inertia: area and mass.
 Friction acting on bodies and “case” problems.
Materials:
Pencil and pen
Three-ring notebook – required - containing this syllabus, all your homework and notes.
Engineering computation paper
Assignments: To be announced
Grading:
(Tentative)
Homework 45%
Quizzes 35%
Comprehensive Final Exam 20%
I use a total points grading method. This means that points on homework, quizzes, final
project, etc. all count for the same. You should keep track of your total points and percentage
and I will try to give you your current percentage after the fifth quiz.
As a general rule, there are no make-ups for quizzes or homework. Students are expected to
attend each class. If you are sick, call my office (or email) and leave a message before class.
Grades will be assigned based on the percent of the total points that you earn, as follows:
100%
99%
98%
97%...
96%...
95%...
94%...
93%
Quizzes:
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
92%...
91%
90%...
89%
88%...
87%...
86%...
85%...
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.2
3.1
84%...
83%
82%...
81%...
80%...
79%...
78%...
77%...
3.0
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
76%... 2.3
75%... 2.2
74%... 2.1
73%
72%... 2.0
71%... 1.9
70% ... 1.8
69% ... 1.7
68% ... 1.6
67%
66% ... 1.5
65%
64% ... 1.4
63% ... 1.3
62% ... 1.2
61% ... 1.1
60%... 1.0
Additionally, must
take every quiz and
score at least 60% on
the final in order to
get a 2.0 for the
course.
Quizzes are normally given weekly and will consist of one or two homework type problems.
Quizzes are viewed as your proof that you can produce in a timely manner, i.e. practice on the
homework and produce on the quizzes. Timely means that you may not have the time that you
feel was needed. Answers must be supported by work.
In addition, I may give reading quizzes over assigned reading prior to the material being
discussed. You are expected to read assignments and to know something. Usually these are
true or false, knowing concepts and definition of terms. My expectation is that you should be
able to get 10 out of 15 points on quizzes of this type. These reading quizzes will be given in
the first ten minutes of class – if you are late, you miss the quiz.
Homework: You can plan on two hours of work outside of class for every hour in class. One or two
homework problems are usually assigned daily. Work is usually due two class periods after it
is assigned (i.e. assigned on Tuesday, due on Thursday). Homework is viewed as practice for
the method and principle that was explained during class. You are encouraged to compare
your work with your classmates.
Homework is graded on neatness, format, effort, completeness, and accuracy. Work must be
done in the correct format, stand alone, be neat, and have step-by-step calculations (see the
homework example). Problems are to be done on engineering computation paper, one side
only and, generally, one problem to a page. You can be sure of a full 10 points if the problem
is correct and laid out completely with the step by step procedure.
No late homework is accepted unless you have previously called (emailed) telling me that you
are sick or some other valid reason. Homework points count the same as quiz points. If you
don’t do the homework you will not pass this class.
Additional:
Turn off all cellphones and other electronic beeping devices before entering class.
All material turned in for grading (exams, quizzes, homework) must be done in pencil - not
pen. Homework is to be labeled neatly, with answers circled or underlined. Any work that is
not done neatly will be returned without being graded.
If you have a handicap that requires some special consideration, please let me know so that you
can be accommodated.
Please, no eating during class. Drinking coffee or pop is okay as long as you clean up your
mess.
If you terminate your participation without officially withdrawing your final grade will be 0.0.
WELCOME!
Please read and sign below that you have read and understand the class standards
and expectations.
Outcomes:
You must conceptually understand the principles of mechanics – explain, verbally and written,
what is occurring in ordinary English.
You must be able to apply the principles of mechanics, make engineering assumptions, set up a
model, and apply applicable equations to solve problems.
You must be able to work with, and understand, both the SI and the US Customary system of
units.
Teamwork/Design Project: Engineering accreditation, beginning in 2000, wants to see teamwork and a
knowledge of the design process. You will be organized into 3 or 4 person teams. Get to
know your teammates and use them. Engineering is a tough curriculum to go it alone. Work
and compare on homework. You will have a term project – this is a team grade. You must
organize and cooperate to succeed.
Final Exam: The final exam will be comprehensive (over the entire quarter) and be individual. This is a
instrument to assess your knowledge of the subject matter – it is not a learning tool. You will
not get it back and we will not go over it. Your work must be neat, complete, and make sense.
All answers must be supported by your work. It is scheduled for Tuesday, 8 December.
Cheating:
The definition of cheating is any unfair advantage over your classmates. Having copies of
homework or quizzes from past years is an unfair advantage. Comparing homework answers
and methods is encouraged. Copying another’s homework is cheating.
Your Attitude: You are responsible for your learning of the material. Engineering is a rewarding but
demanding curriculum/profession. For some, you will find that the curriculum is too
demanding. Please heed the above warnings – if this is not your quarter for this course, depart
now and, perhaps, later will be better.
My Attitude: I hope that I can help you succeed. I will do my best. Unfortunately, sometimes engineering
means “grinding away” on problems that do not come easily. This is part of the learning
process. I am not doing any favors passing anyone who later falls on their face. Read the
material, attend class and pay attention, do the homework and compare with your teammates.
Step back from the minutiae of the calculations and understand the “big picture” of the
problem. Do this, and you should accomplish the course Outcomes, pass the class, and feel
secure in your future success as an engineering student. Again, welcome!
I have read the above and understand the course expectations.
___________________________________________
Name
____________________________
ENGR 201/quarter and year
Welcome to second year Engineering
Things to know about the course and my expectations
Engineering is a very rewarding but demanding profession. I am convinced that a person
with average intelligence who has some mathematical, creative and visualization ability can be a
successful engineer. What it does take is perseverance, focus, and commitment.
Engineering is the application of science, math, experience, etc. to do something
useful for society. Understanding the theory is not enough. Society (and more specifically
your company) will pay you to get good answers and results – close does not count in the
real world. Hence, focus and attention to detail is very important. You will find that I am a
stickler on details, deadlines, and format. Do not take shortcuts. Read the text, be at all
classes on time, be attentive, ask questions, and start on the homework immediately while it
is fresh in your mind. Check with your classmates on answers and procedures.
Engineering is a team profession – going it alone can be very difficult.
Often I will explain how to do something differently than the text author or change
the requirements of the problem. Please keep in mind that I see the text as supplementing
my instruction – not the other way around. You are not being trained as a technician – you
are being educated as an engineer. The difference is that you will not simply be duplicating
problems that I have shown. Instead, you must be able to think critically and apply the
theories to new problems. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes you must “grind
away” at a problem. This, too, is part of the learning process. As I have said, engineering
takes perseverance and focus as much as intellectual ability.
Commitment means being willing and able to spend the necessary time to learn the
material. The rule of thumb in college is about two hours outside of class for every hour in
class. This means another 30 hours for a 15 credit class load. This is an average – some
weeks it may be more, some weeks less. You will find that the material moves very fast –
much faster than what you may have been accustomed to in high school. Many of you may
really need to re-evaluate your situation in terms of engineering school, family, and work.
What is unique about second year engineering classes is the homework. I will
assign up to two problems per day. I see these problems as miniature take-home tests
except that I encourage you to work together. Homework points count the same as test or
quiz points – they are important. You must do the work for the points and for learning the
material! Your work must be able to “stand alone”. If you write scientific or mathematical
laws first in general form and, then, with the specific numbers inserted, a person can follow
your work. This is what I expect. You should not have to give me a verbal explanation of
what was done and why (list any assumptions clearly). I will give you at least one day
before collecting any homework. If you are having problems with the theory, ask me. If
many of you are having problems with the theory, I will revisit the subject. If only
individuals are having problems, I will help you after class. I am glad to help you with
theory, but I do not want to check your arithmetic.
Mark Gorski
Engineering Instructor
HOMEWORK EXAMPLE
Problem number (page number)
P
4-30 (79)
5’
Drawing/diagram
4’
B
A
Bx
By
Problem description:
Information given
Information sought
Problem solution:
Given: The plank above with a roller at A and a pin at B. The load P is
20 lbs.
Find:
a) Reaction at A.
b) Reaction at B.
Sol’n:
M B  0
 A(9)  420  0
9 A  80
Fy  0
A
80
 8.89 lbs
9
ANS
A  By  20  0
8.89  B y  20  0
Answer:
Fx  0
B y  20  8.89
B y  11.11lbs ANS
 Bx  0
Bx  0 lbs
ANS
Notes:
 Homework must be done on green Engineering Computation paper, one side only, one problem per
page (usually).
 A drawing/diagram, Given:, Find:, and Sol’n: must be done for each problem. The problem must
“stand alone”.
 Many problems require a free-body diagram (FBD).
 Calculations must be complete and include units. If using a formula, show the general formula first,
then show it with numbers.
 Clearly show the answer – again with UNITS.
On the back – top, right hand corner put:
 Course number
ENGR 201
 Name
Joe College
 Date assigned
Today, this year
 Problem (page)
4-30 (79)