TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY -- COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ENGR 211 – CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES IN ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Section 505, Fall 2000
SYLLABUS AND GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Dr. Walter E. Haisler
Mr. Kun Marhadi
Office: 719C, H.R. Bright Building,
Office: 610, H.R. Bright Bldg.
Phone: 845-7541 or 845-1640
Phone: 862-3393
Email: Haisler@tamu.edu
Email: ksm2167@unix.tamu.edu
Office Hours: MW 2-4:30, additional office hours
Office hours: TR 8-9:30, MWF 9:30-10:30
by appointment (phone or email me).
Course Web Page: http://aeromaster.tamu.edu/haisler/engr211
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Upper Division Status in Engineering Major; completion of CBK Courses, e.g., ENGR 112, MATH
152, and PHYS 218; also, MATH 251/253 or registration therein.
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
To develop a fundamental understanding of how to model, represent, and examine the behavior of
engineering systems in terms of basic physical laws that govern the response of many mechanical
systems.
CLASS FORMAT:
A mix of formal lecture, discussion, problem-solving as appropriate for the topic being studied.
Active learning, teaming, and the use of technology in solving complex problems will be
encouraged and exploited to better achieve the course objective.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
The Fundamental Laws; Linear Momentum; Angular Momentum; Energy; Applications to Rigid
Body Statics; Applications to Rigid Body Dynamics; Fluid Statics. See attached syllabus for
tentative schedule of topic coverage.
TEXT AND OTHER MATERIAL:
1) Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics (Abridged), Second Edition, W.F. Riley and
L.D. Sturges, John Wiley, 2000
2) Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics - Problems Sets, Second Edition, W.F. Riley
and L.D. Sturges, John Wiley, 2000
3) Maple; Engineering Equation Solver (EES), Microsoft Office
GRADING: > 90
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
< 60
A
B
C
D
F
Exam 1 (October 5; 7-9 PM)
Exam 2 (November 9; 7-9 PM)
Homework, RATS, Team
Incentives, & Project
Comprehensive Final (Dec. 8, 12:30-2:30 PM)
1
25%
25%
25%
25%
GRADING PHILOSOPHY:
Except for open-ended design problems, the problems in this class and the textbook usually have a
unique answer (i.e., “the answer”). In grading problems, my philosophy is:
1) An engineer obtains a solution to a problem based on physical understanding of the problem and
the solution is substantiated through supporting engineering analysis,
2) An engineer should always try to have a “gut-feeling” for the solution, i.e., he should know
when the solution is obviously (or probably) wrong (because of math or other errors),
3) In most mechanics problems, the problem is dealing with forces, mass, temperature, area, etc.
Thus, a solution is not 3.26 but 3.26 something (something = N, kg, ft2, psi, etc.). Units are
essential!! You will be docked points for answers without units.
4) Incorrect solutions may receive partial credit if it is clear to me that your solution procedure is
correct and you have satisfied 1-3 above.
RE-GRADING POLICY:
If you think you homework, RAT, or Exam was improperly graded, you have 1 week in which to
submit your paper to me for re-grading after it has been returned to you. Submit your paper to me
along with an explanation of what you consider to be relevant information that I should consider.
No paper will be re-graded after this ONE-WEEK period.
ATTENDANCE:
Not much to be said here. I expect you to attend all classes and be on time. If you have an
appropriate excuse to be absent, provide me with appropriate documentation (ahead of time, if
appropriate).
TEAMING:
Group assignments will have the names of all team members on the finished product. ONLY
members who have contributed equally to the assignment may sign the product. Only those
members who sign will be given credit for the work. All members of the team are responsible for
preventing anyone who did not work on the project from signing it. Remember the buck stops with
you. I may, at my discretion, choose to quiz any member who signs the project to determine whether
I believe they contributed. If I feel that the signing person did not contribute, the entire team will
receive a zero on that work. If you choose to do so, you may assign people to become "experts" in
certain areas, but if you do, each "expert" must assume the responsibility of teaching the other
signing team members about their "field of expertise." In other words, the expert must teach the
others in the group how to survive a grilling by the prof about how that part of the solution was
obtained. If you divide the homework problems, you must meet together and teach each other how
the problems are solved.
Team Meeting Logs
Each team should keep a weekly log of when it met, how long it met, and which team members
were present. Weekly Meeting Log Sheets will be provided for your use at the first class meeting
each week or may be downloaded from the course web site. The sheet for Week 1 is to be turned in
at the first class meeting of Week 2; the one for Week 2 is due the first class meeting of Week 3;
etc. For the purposes of these logs, a week is defined as Monday-Sunday. Team meeting log forms
may be printed from the course web page.
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Note 1: The instructor may, at his discretion, choose to quiz individuals about the details of
whatever has been submitted. If it becomes obvious that the person being quizzed does not
adequately understand what they have affixed their signature to, the grade for that item will
automatically be recorded as a zero. This would apply to an individual grade in the case of an
individual assignment, or to the team grade, in the event that the item in question is a team
submission.
Note 2: A peer evaluation opportunity will be provided 2-3 times during the course of the semester.
As a part of this peer evaluation, each team member will be asked to evaluate the contribution of
other team member toward team activities. This team evaluation will be applied as a multiplying
factor of your team grades.
HOMEWORK:
There will be two homework assignments per week with a mix of individual and team assignments.
1) Homework will be due one week after the date of assignment and is to be turned in at the
beginning of class before I start lecturing. Late homework will NOT be accepted. There will be
NO exceptions.
2) Homework must be complete with all steps shown. You may use computer software (Maple,
EES, etc.) and/or calculators to complete tedious calculations but you must describe what you
did and show computer output if computer software was utilized.
3) Work on one side of the paper only. Staple your work together. Submit all problems and work
in the order that they were assigned.
4) Your final answer must be easily identifiable (either boxed, highlighted, underlined, separate
from other work, etc.) and must appear with appropriate units.
5) Your team number must appear on all work along with the name of each group member who
worked on the project. No person who did not contribute to the project is permitted to affix
their name to the project - this is considered scholastic dishonesty, and will be grounds for
removal of the group from the class. PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY, WE DO.
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
You are responsible for reading and studying the text material that has been assigned for a particular
lecture. This is your responsibility whether I remind you or not. A detailed syllabus with reading
assignments is attached.
READINESS ASSESSMENT TESTS (RATS):
You may want to call these pop quizzes. RATs will be 5-20 minute closed book exams. In order to
be ready for a RAT, you must have read the assigned material, listened in class, and have done and
understood the homework. RATS may be individual effort, or sometimes you will be required to
work as a team. Note that it is your responsibility to make sure everyone in your team understands
how to work the RATs. Sometimes, the instructor may give two RATs back-to-back. The first one
could be solved as a team. The second one could be the same or very similar problem, to be worked
individually. At the instructor's discretion, the team score for both RATs could be the lowest,
highest, or average score of the team members on the individual RAT.
3
PROJECTS:
A major teaming project will be assigned. Each team will be assigned a grade based on their
solution to the problem, and will be required to submit a formal engineering report that includes the
contribution of each team member. Your individual grade will be based on the team grade and your
individual contribution. The grade will be based on both the technical engineering content of the
report, and the formal written presentation. Each member of the team will be required to document
which portion of the project and report they completed. The required format of the project report
will be provided with the project assignment.
MAJOR EXAMS:
The Major Exams will be closed book. There will be NO make-up exams except with a universityapproved absence. See exam coverage and schedule on syllabus. Major Exams may be given as a
team, individual or a combination effort thereof. For a team plus individual exam, each portion will
be weighted appropriately (as an example; team portion of exam 20% and individual portion of
exam 80%).
FINAL EXAM:
The final exam for this course will be given on Wednesday, December 8, 12:30-2:30 PM. It will be
comprehensive in that you will be responsible for all material covered during the course. There
may, however, be a greater emphasis on material covered during the latter half of the semester.
EMAIL ADDRESSES AND LISTSERV SUBSCRIPTION:
In order for me to easily communicate with you at times other than our class time, I need for each of
you to have a valid TAMU email address. (hotmail, AOL, tca, etc. addresses will not work. This is
done to prevent spamming by non-TAMU domain email addresses.)
1) If you don't have a TAMU email address, get one immediately (you are already paying for it!).
2) Sign up for the ENGR211 newsgroup by sending an email to listserv@listserv.tamu.edu and in
the BODY of the email, put "SUBSCRIBE ENGR211 firstname lastname" WITHOUT the
quotes. Replace firstname and lastname by your name. Be sure you send the email when logged
on to YOUR TAMU account (not someone else's)!!! Note: it is listserv NOT listserve!
3) Check your email once a day or so.
SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE INSTRUCTOR (on learning and life):
I cannot teach you everything or show you the solution to every problem
in the world; therefore, you must learn the basic principles and
procedures and not solutions to specific problems.
Taking responsibility for your own actions, words and station-in-life
allows you (forces you) to grow as a person.
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Revised 8/30/00
ENGR 211 - Conservation Principles in Engineering Mechanics
Section 505, Fall 2000
Tentative Schedule
1
2
Class Meeting
Aug. 29
Aug. 31
3
Sept. 5
4
5
6
7
8
9
Sept. 7
Sept. 12
Sept. 14
Sept. 19
Sept. 21
Sept. 26
10
11
Sept. 28
Oct. 3
12
Oct. 5
Oct. 5
13
Oct. 10
14
Oct. 12
15
Oct. 17
16
Oct. 19
17
Oct. 24
18
Oct. 26
19
Oct. 31
20
Nov. 2
21
Nov. 7
22
Nov. 9
Nov. 9
23
Nov. 14
24
Nov. 16
25
Nov. 21
Nov. 23
26
Nov. 28
27
Nov. 30
28
Dec. 5
Dec. 8, 12:30-2:30 PM
Topics to be Covered
Introduction to the Course
Introduction to Mechanics, Newton's Four Laws,
Units
Accounting Concept, Conservation Tables,
Conservation of Mass
Conservation of Mass Examples
Concurrent Force Systems
Conservation of Linear Momentum
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Rigid Bodies, Equivalent Force Systems
Centroids, Distributed Loads, Equivalent Force
Systems
COLM for Rigid Bodies
Discussion of external support conditions,
Introduction to trusses, method of joints
Trusses, method of sections
Reference Material
WH: A1
RS: 1,12
WH: A2
WH: A2
RS: 2
WH: A3, RS: 3
WH
RS: 4
RS: 5
RS: 6
RS: 6,7
RS: 7
Quiz A, Oct. 5, 7-9 PM
Frames and Machines
RS: 7
Internal Forces in Frames and Machines
RS:8
Area and Mass Moments of Inertia
RS: 10
Kinematics of Particles
RS: 13
Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
RS 14
Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
RS 14
Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
RS 14
Friction, Kinetics of Particles
RS: 9, WH
Kinetics of Rigid Bodies
WH
Kinetics of Rigid Bodies
WH
Quiz B, Nov. 9, 7-9 PM
Conservation of Energy
WH, RS: 11
Kinetics of Particles and Rigid Bodies - Energy WH
Kinetics of Particles and Rigid Bodies - Energy WH
No class - Thanksgiving
Impulse and Momentum, Impact
WH
Variable Mass Flow
WH
Topics as needed
Final Exam,
Dec. 8, 12:30-2:30 PM
WH=Haisler's class notes,
RS=Riley & Sturges (number refers to chapter in text)
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ENGR 211 – CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES IN ENGINEERING MECHANICS
SECTION 505 -- FALL 2000
SOME USEFUL INFORMATION
EES - How to get it and how to use it
Get it from:
http://www.mengr.tamu.edu/ees/
Hints on how to use it:
http://Lowery.tamu.edu/ees/howtoees/ees.htm
Teaming - What is teaming and how do you use teams effectively
http://Lowery.tamu.edu/teaming/morgan1
Other useful websites (links are included at bottom of my ENGR 211 web page)
http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/papers/student_handouts.html
http://www.howstuffworks.com
Some Do's and Don'ts
I.
USE OF VECTORS
Almost all mechanics equations are vector equations. You must be able to do vector algebra and
calculus to work mechanics problems. Vectors must be denoted clearly, e.g., with an overbar or an underbar.
Vector equations written using scalar notation are wrong. Equations which equate vectors to scalars, use
scalars where vectors are required (e.g., cross products), contain division by vectors, indicate vector
multiplication without a dot or a cross product, etc., are wrong.
II.
CONSISTENCY (OR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOOD AND BAD HABITS)
There is an old saying that, "Practice makes perfect." This saying is incorrect; rather, "Practice makes
consistent." Perfect practice makes you consistently perfect. Bad practice makes you consistently bad.
Many people who don't use correct vector notation, etc., on homework say they will do it right on the exam.
Wrong! If you practice it wrong, that is how you will do it on the exam; under pressure you will revert to the
habits you have practiced, be they good or bad. The best way is to do it right all of the time.
III.
UNITS
The US unit of mass is the slug, not the pound. If you are given a weight in pounds (lbf), divide by
g = 32.174 ft/sec2 to get the mass in lbf-sec2/ft or slugs (m = W/g). Also remember that 1 slug is not equal to 1
lbm, when using that notation. To convert between mass and weight in SI units, use g = 9.807 m/sec2, not 32.2!
The easiest way to think consistently is to remember that the US units specify a force or weight in lbf (thus
making the mass have derived units of lbf-sec2/ft) while SI units specify mass in kg (thus making force or
weight have derived units of kg-m/sec2 = Newtons).
Always use units in evaluating an equation. If the units don’t match up in various terms of a long
equation; this is telling you something: the equation is wrong, you have mixed units that need conversion, or
something. For example, in dynamics problems, which can be worked by conservation of momentum and/or
energy principles, if your work results in terms that look like linear momentum (kg m/s) and energy (N m) and
you are trying to add them; then something is wrong!
IV.
SLOPPY MATHEMATICS
The language of mathematics is very precise, and the mathematics used for mechanics is very well
defined. You cannot ignore signs, equations, etc., because they don't agree with what you expect. For
example, if you have two scalar equations involving only one unknown you cannot arbitrarily solve one
equation for the unknown and ignore the other equation. Over determined systems are usually inconsistent; i.e.,
there is no value of the unknown that satisfies both equations. Inconsistent equations tell you that something is
wrong (the assumptions, equations, or mathematics which preceded the equations). Only by pure luck will you
6
get the correct answer by solving one of the equations and ignoring the other. If the math gives you
inconsistent equations, signs, etc., it is trying to tell you something; go back and find your error.
7
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY -- COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ENGR 211 – CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES IN ENGINEERING MECHANICS
SECTION 505 -- FALL 2000
SOME POTENTIALLY USEFUL INFORMATION FOR EXAMS
STRATEGIES FOR TAKING AN EXAM; IN PARTICULAR, EXAMS IN ENGR 211
Quickly read all of the problems and note their point value before you start work on any
problem. Answer the problems you judge to be easiest first and the hardest problems last. Do not
spend more time on a problem than its point value justifies (unless you have already attempted all of
the other problems). If you can do the easier problems quickly you may have extra time for the harder
problems. Do not assume that the order in which the problems are presented is also the order of
increasing difficulty.
Make sure you pace yourself as you work through an exam. For example, let us say you have
roughly 100 minutes to earn 100 points. The time that you can spend on a particular page of the exam
is therefore about the same (in minutes) as the point value of that page. Do not get stuck on one page
-- move on! You can always come back later if you have time left over.
When you finish any engineering problem you should check your answers to see if they make
sense and are dimensionally correct. If you come up with an answer that you know is wrong but you
do not have time to find your error, write the grader a short note stating that the answer is wrong and
why, and that you could not find and correct your error in the available time. For example, if you
calculate that the tension in a cable is negative, then something is obviously wrong since you cannot
push on a rope. Write "Negative tension impossible. Out of time." on your paper so that the grader at
least knows that you realized your answer was physically impossible.
Study early and get plenty of sleep the night before the exam. You may be able to cram the
night before some exams and learn enough facts to do well; however, cramming does NOT work for
engineering courses. In these courses, there are a minimum number of facts (principles) that you
have to UNDERSTAND AND KNOW HOW TO APPLY to do well on an exam. To do well on a
dynamics exam you must be able to THINK during the exam (apply basic principles to problems you
have not seen before), NOT recite facts or PLUG NUMBERS INTO EQUATIONS. You will
perform better if you learn the principles/facts early and get a good night's sleep the night before the
exam.
It is also not a good idea to try and digest a lot of information in the 3-4 hours just prior to an
exam. A cursory glance at notes or at examples in the textbook often results in your spending
precious time trying to recall what it was that you saw when you see a similar figure accompanying
an exam problem. You would be much better off focussing on the problem you have actually been
asked to do.
8
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY -- COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ENGR 211 – CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES IN ENGINEERING MECHANICS
SECTION 505 -- FALL 2000
TEAM MEETING LOG -- WEEK 1 (August 27, 2000 - September 2, 2000)
TEAM Number: __________
This team met on
____________________
from
__________
to
__________
The following team members were present:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
This team met on
____________________
from
__________
to
__________
The following team members were present:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
This team met on
____________________
from
__________
to
__________
The following team members were present:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
This team met on
____________________
from
__________
to
__________
The following team members were present:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
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Team Information. I am requesting this information in order to form teams as best as possible. Think
of me as the chief engineer whose job it is to form a team in such a way that the team has the best chance
of success in solving difficult assignments. I will keep your information confidential. If you have
problems with completing any item, skip it (only exception is prerequisites).
Name: ____________________________ Email address: ____________________________
Major: ____________________________
GPA: _______________
Prerequisites:  Do you have upper level standing in your Major?
YES
NO
If you answered YES above, skip the following questions:
 Have you completed MATH 152 with a C or better grade and
are currently registered for MATH 251 or 253?
YES
NO
 Have you completed PHYS 218 with a C or better grade?
YES
NO
If your answer to either is NO, you do not have the pre-requisites
for upper level standing and must drop this course. If you believe you should be in
upper level, you must immediately see your advisor and bring me a letter from your
advisor by 5 PM, August 31, stating why you should be enrolled in 211 or that you
have been admitted to upper level. Otherwise, you will be dropped from 211.
Sex:
F
M
Ethnic Group: ________________
Live on campus?
NO
YES

If YES,
NORTHSIDE DORMS or SOUTHSIDE DORMS
If NO, where? Put an X on the map below.
Do you work?
YES
NO
If YES, what hours? _______________________.
Do you need to sit at the front of the classroom (poor vision, hearing, or just prefer)?
10
YES
NO
Have you worked on a team before?
YES
NO
If yes, tell me your experiences.
11