Goals

1. Describe Statics.
2. Excel at Statics

What

Statics is a subject that that involves loads acting on a body when the body is either stationary or moving with a constant velocity.

Loads can be forces, moments (torques), or distributed loads. Problems are typically solved by applying the following two vector equations.

Force Equilibrium: ΣF = 0

Moment Equilibrium: ΣM = 0

In statics, things in the real world like cars, airplanes, cams, bridges, bones, and so on are modeled as either a particle or a rigid-body.

One of the most useful ideas ever, the free body diagram, is used in mechanics for visualizing loads.

Why Statics is Worth Learning

1. Many problems in the real world involve loads acting on bodies. These problems cannot be solved without applying statics along with other topics.

2. Engineers must know many things about loads, motions, and deflections. Statics is the foundational subject for many advanced topic.

Facts About Statics

1. Statics is a branch of mechanics. Mechanics is a branch of physics.

2. Statics involves vector equations. Prerequisite subjects for statics include trig, vector algebra, and calculus.

3. In addition to loads on bodies, topics related to center-of-gravity, area moment of inertia, mass moment of inertia and so forth are typically taught in a statics course.

How to Excel at Statics

1. Learn the fundamentals of Statics by applying them to real-world tasks, getting feedback, and using that feedback to improve your understanding and performance. This method is called Deliberate Practice (DP) — a proven, highly effective way to master complex skills.

2. Develop and integrate essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, modeling, experiment design, and coding — and connect these skills directly to the concepts of Statics to become a well-rounded and capable problem solver.