Preface: |
Statics is the basis for the study of engineering mechanics and specifically rigid-body mechanics. Statics is concerned with the equilibrium of bodies that are at rest or that move at a constant velocity. Using measurements of geometry and force, Archimedes studied statics concepts in ancient Greece. Most of his work centered on simple machines for construction of buildings.
In this lesson students will learn how to identify and calculate forces acting on a body when it is in static equilibrium. Students will calculate internal and external forces of a truss. They will use this knowledge to design, build, and test their own truss designs. |
Essential Questions: |
Students will keep considering:
1. Why is it crucial for designers and engineers to construct accurate free body diagrams of the parts and structures that they design? 2. Why must designers and engineers calculate forces acting on bodies and structures? 3. When solving truss forces, why is it important to know that the structure is statically determinate? |