Mechanics Of Materials

This course teaches students how to determine if and where a mechanical component will break as well as how much it will either deflect or twist under an applied load. In order to do this, previous knowledge of applied mechanics is coupled with the fundamental mechanical design concepts of stress and strain. Class examples analyze and design members under axial tension and compression as well as torsion, bending, thermal stresses and buckling while considering appropriate safety factors and the effect of geometric stress concentrations. Students will also participate in a team-based, destructive hook design competition using CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and additive manufacturing to help them design and manufacture their creations.