Introduction of basic principles and methods of statical analysis, and their application in the study of mechanical systems equilibrium.

It is our intention to present to students the basic concepts and principles of mechanics in the clearest and simplest form possible. A major objective of this course is to help the students to develop problem solving skills for mechanics system equilibrium. Acquired knowledge will be used by students in further education.

Basic concepts of mechanics: space, time, force, mass. basic models: particle, system of particles, rigid and deformable body. Axiom of inertia – statics of a particle. Basic principles (axioms) of the rigid body statics. System of concurrent forces. Moment of a force about a point, moment of a force about an axis, Varignon's theorem. A couple, reduction of a force to a point. Arbitrary system of forces. Coplanar forces - equilibrium. Equilibrium of the system of rigid bodies. Friction. Analysis of the arbitrary system of forces, static invariants, central axis, Varignon's theorem. Parallel forces. Center of gravity, centroid. Analysis of structures. Trusses - method of joints, method of sections. Beams and frames - axial force, shearing force and bending moment. Cables and catenaries. Analytical statics. Virtual displacement, virtual work of forces and couples. Principle of virtual work. Stability of equilibrium.

Lectures, exercises, consultations. During the lectures, theoretical background is presented. During the exercise classes, the acquired theoretical knowledge is applied in solution of diverse problems. Partial examinations are organized during the semester. Partial examination in the analzsis of structures is obligatory, while other ones can substitute appropriate parts of the written examination.