48321 Engineering Mechanics
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 33130c Mathematics 1 AND 68037c Physical Modelling
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Anti-requisite(s): 48620 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
Description
The subject aims to assist students to acquire a fundamental understanding of static equilibrium concepts commonly used in analysis and design of engineered structures. It also aims to develop their skills in analysing simple structures such as statically determinate beams and trusses, subjected to various loading and support conditions. On completion of this subject, students should be able to apply static equilibrium conditions as tools to analyse simple structures, and have developed an appreciation of design in civil engineering. The principles developed in this subject form the basis of structural analysis and design. This subject introduces students to the fundamental aspects that are a basis for subsequent fields of dynamics in civil engineering such as fluid mechanics, hydraulics and road design.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply the concept of equilibrium to systems which can be modelled as particles in 2D, and to rigid bodies in 2D. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Simplify and clarify mechanics problems using free body diagrams. (D.1) |
| 3. | Analyse simple statically determinate structures such as beams, pin-jointed trusses and pin-jointed frames subject to various loadings and support conditions. (D.1) |
| 4. | Determine internal actions in statically determinate structures and draw internal action diagrams - Axial Force (AFD), Shear Force (SFD) and Bending Moment Diagrams (BMD) which are all important for designing structural members such as beams and columns. (D.1) |
| 5. | Determine simple dynamic variables and solve simple dynamic problems involving kinematics, energy and momentum. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
Student learning in the subject is facilitated through two online sessions each week (1 x workshop session + 1 x tutorial session). Workshop and tutorial recordings will be provided for students to undertake their own self-directed learning as a supplement to the active-learning sessions. Live sessions will also be set up for the workshops and tutorial sessions to answer any student questions.
Students are expected to read the provided learning material and answer online questions before the first session of the week so that these sessions can focus on problem-solving activities in small groups and discussion of higher-level concepts. Students are expected to attempt any provided tutorial questions before their weekly tutorial session.
Consultation sessions for this subject will be hosted via Zoom and/or MS Teams. Students are also encouraged to use their UTS email and MS Teams to contact the subject coordinator and teaching staff if they have any questions relating to the subject.
NOTE: As an indication, a typical 6 CP subject would normally assume a total time commitment (including class time) of approximately 150 hours, for an average student aiming to pass the subject. This translates to at least 10 hours per week for this subject.
Content (topics)
- SI units and physical dimensions used in statics as the basis for structural analysis and design.
- Types of applied actions/loads.
- Forces, loads and their characteristics. Scalar and vector. Tributary areas or widths for area distributed applied loads.
- Principle of transmissibility.
- Rigid bodies.
- Applied moments and their characteristics. Varignon's theorem.
- Equivalent force/moment systems.
- Equilibrium of rigid bodies. Free-body diagrams (FBD).
- Two force and three force body.
- Pin-jointed trusses. Method of joints and method of sections.
- Internal actions – axial, shear, moment.
- Analysis of beams. Shear force (SFD) and bending moment diagrams (BMD) of beams.
- Shear force and bending moment diagrams of simple frames.
- Fundamental concepts in dynamics such as kinematics of a particle, with equation of differential and integral calculus, conservation of energy and conservation of momentum.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Free body diagram report
| Intent: | The aim of this assessment task is to provide students an opportunity to exercise their skills in recognizing engineered structures and apply learnt concepts to simplify complex structures representative of real world or modelled engineered structures. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
Assessment task 2: Trusses and pin-jointed frames report
| Intent: | The aim of this assessment task is to provide students an opportunity to develop practical skills in the theoretical analysis of given trusses and pin-jointed frames problems, and then apply these concepts in solving real world engineered structures. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
Assessment task 3: Internal actions dynamics report
| Intent: | The aim of the assessment task is to provide students an opportunity to apply their theoretical and practical skills to concepts relating to internal actions of forces and bending moments and their diagrams, and also apply concepts relating to the dynamics in problem solving real world or modelled engineered structures. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
48321 Engineering Mechanics 4th edition Pearson Australia ISBN: 9781488623745
Textbook + MasteringEngineering + eText
http://pearson.com.au/9781488623745
MasteringEngineering + eText
http://pearson.com.au/9781488687792
Recommended texts
Meriam, J. L., & Kraige, L.G. 2013, Engineering Mechanics: Statics (SI Version), Vol. 1, Wiley, Singapore.
References
You will be able to find many textbooks and online resources on Statics and Dynamics. Please see the links suggested on Canvas as a starting point.
Other resources
?It is advised that you attend workshops, tutorials and U:PASS sessions to gain maximum benefit from your subjects. Do not substitute U:PASS sessions for tutorials or workshop attendance.
Some learning resources for this subject are available in the Student Learning Precinct on level 5 of building 11. These include a copy of the textbook and some reference books, as well as a problem book on Forces and a problem book on Free Body Diagrams.
All students will have an account on the Engineering Mechanics site on Canvas. All students are expected to check this site at least once each week for any Announcements.
U:PASS
UTS Peer Assisted Study Success is a voluntary “study session” where you will be studying the subject with other students in a group. It is led by a student who has previously achieved a distinction or high distinction in the subject area, and who has a good WAM. Leaders will prepare activities for you to work on in groups based on the content you are learning in workshops and tutorials. It’s relaxed, friendly, and informal. Because the leader is a student just like you, they understand what it’s like to study the subject and how to do well, and they can pass those tips along to you. Students also say it’s a great way to meet new people and a “guaranteed study hour”.
To find out what U:PASS sessions are available for this subject, visit the website U:PASS website. If you have any questions or concerns about U:PASS, please email upass@uts.edu.au or check out the About U:PASS webpage.
There are some further student comments on the helpfulness of U:PASS in Subject Documents in Canvas.