48331 Mechanics of Solids
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48321 Engineering Mechanics OR 48620 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
Recommended studies:
revision of subjects 48321 Engineering Mechanics and 48620 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering before the beginning of the semester is recommended
Description
The objectives of this subject are to enable students to: acquire a fundamental understanding of the behaviour of structural components commonly used in engineered structures and machines; develop skills to help them model and analyse the behaviour of structural and machine components subjected to various loading and support conditions based on principles of equilibrium and material constitutional relationships. Content includes: pure bending of beams – flexural stress and strain, calculation of beam loads; shear flow and shear stresses in beams – distribution of shear stresses in beam sections, forces and stresses in shear connectors; composite beams – composite short columns; slope and deflection of simple beams; column buckling – Euler's equation, end conditions and effective length, combined axial and bending stresses for short columns; torsion of circular shafts, thin-walled closed sections and solid rectangular sections; transformation of plane stresses – Mohr's circle of plane stresses, principal stresses and planes; inelastic bending – stress resultants, yield moment and ultimate moment capacity of elastoplastic sections, elastic and plastic section modulus, plastic hinges; product of inertia, principal axes and principal moments of inertia; unsymmetric bending; combined stresses due to axial force, shear force, bending moments and twisting moment; shear centre.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply engineering design methodologies to design simple structural members. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Demonstrate knowledge of structural behaviour to solve practical structural and mechanical engineering problems (D.1) |
| 3. | Analyse the behaviour of structural and machine components subjected to various loadings and support conditions. (D.1) |
| 4. | Collaborate in a team to produce a technical engineering report for structures. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.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.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
Teaching and learning strategies
Student learning in this subject is facilitated through two sessions each teaching week. These sessions consist of one x 2.5-hour workshop and one x 2-hour tutorial consisting mainly of discussions and problem solving.
Students are expected to read the course materials, e.g. workshop notes and indicated content in the nominated textbook, and attempt the in-class examples in the workshop notes and the associated online questions (if applicable) before the workshop. The teaching staff will focus on problem solving activities in small groups and any problematic materials in the workshops.
In the tutorial sessions, students are encouraged to form groups and discuss among themselves the solution of problem sets, thus training them to adapt to real-life situations where problem solving is often a group effort. Towards the middle of the tutorial sessions, the tutor will display the solutions and discuss them. Then, students need to work on tutorial questions and submit their work in Pearson Mastering Engineering before the end of tutorial and also submit their hand-written calculations to their tutor.
Canvas and Microsoft Teams will be used in this subject for announcements and workshop material as well as online assessments/quizzes. NOTE: As an indication, a typical 6cp subject would normally assume a total time commitment (including class time) of approximately 150 hours, for an average student aiming to pass the subject).
Content (topics)
- Axial (normal) stress and strain, shear stress and strain
- Mechanical properties of engineering materials
- Composite axially loaded members; compatibility
- Members under combined bending and axial load
- Slope and deflection of the beams
- Analysis of slender columns, stability
- Torsional behaviour of circular members
- Failure theory
- Inelastic bending analysis, elasto-plastic material behaviour
- Shear centre of sections
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | The aim of this assessment task is to evaluate the ability to acquire a fundamental understanding of the behaviour of structural components commonly used in engineered structures and machines. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 2: Tutorial Exercises
| Intent: | This assessment task aims to develop and apply problem solving skills to model and analyse the behaviour of structural and machine components. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 32% |
Assessment task 3: Group project and Peer Assessment
| Intent: | The aim of this assessment task is to generate a field report to analyse behaviour and the various loading and support conditions based on principles of equilibrium and material constitutional relationships. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 38% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Tutorial & Assignment Problem is available for you to download from Canvas. Students should have this book for tutorial classes.
Recommended texts
Not applicable
References
Mechanics of Materials, Tenth SI Edition-RC Hibbeler, Pearson Prentice Hall
Mechanics of Materials, Sixth Edition- by Beer FP and Johnston ER, McGraw Hill
Mechanics of Materials, Sixth Edition - Riley WR and Sturges LD, Wiley International
Other resources
Canvas: All students will have an account on the Mechanics of Solids site on Canvas. All students are expected to check this site frequently for any material and announcements. It is therefore imperative that students ensure that their current e-mail address is registered.