Statics

Statics is the branch of physics that explains how forces and loads act on objects that are at rest or moving at constant velocity. It explains how bridges, buildings, machines, tools, joints, and everyday objects support loads, resist tipping, and remain stable.

The job of this BookCourse is to equip you with the following capabilities.

1. Build mathematical models of physical systems using the equations of statics.
2. Determine geometric and mass properties of bodies, including centroids, centers of mass, and moments of inertia.
3. Analyze forces, shear forces, and bending moments in beams.
4. Analyze trusses and machines to determine internal member loads.

Rewards of Learning Statics

1. Succeed when loads matter in the real world.
   • Design structures that safely support weight.
   • Understand why bridges, buildings, and machines fail or remain stable.
   • Design components that resist tipping, bending, or collapse.
2. Understand how the physical world works with respect to forces and loads.
   • How loads are transmitted through structures to the ground.
   • How mechanical advantage is created using levers and simple machines.
3. Succeed in more advanced subjects that build on statics, such as dynamics, mechanics of materials, and fluid mechanics.

Path To Success (Great Results)

1. Describe Loads Using Causal Models

Reliably describe how forces, moments, supports, and constraints interact to produce success or failure when loads act on physical systems.

2. Solve Representative Load Problems

Reliably solve representative load problems drawn from the real world (cars, airplanes, levers, inclined planes, bridges, gears, pulleys, and similar systems) by choosing appropriate models and methods.

3. Model Systems as Particles

Reliably idealize physical systems as particles, construct the corresponding mathematical models, and use them to achieve defined goals.

4. Model Systems as Rigid Bodies

Reliably idealize physical systems as one or more rigid bodies, construct the corresponding mathematical models, and use them to achieve defined goals.

5. Determine Geometric and Mass Properties of Bodies

Reliably compute geometric and mass properties needed for statics analysis, including centroids, centers of mass, centers of gravity, area moments of inertia, mass moments of inertia, and polar moments of inertia.

6. Model Trusses and Machines

Reliably model trusses and machines, construct the associated mathematical models, and determine internal forces that lead to high-quality results.

7. Model Beams

Reliably model physical systems as beams and determine the associated shear force and bending moment distributions.