Success with Statics

Goals

1. Explain how to succeed with Statics.
2. Succeed with Statics.
3. Gain the associated rewards

Causal Model for Statics

A Causal Models is a recipe for success. The causal model for Statics in “arrow notation” is

(Loads) + (Models) + (Math) + (Newton’s Laws) → (Great Results with Statics)

So to succeed with statics, there are four main things to learn and apply.

Success with Statics (How To)

1. Loads

: A load is any interaction of one body on another that can cause or resist a change in motion. Statics uses three main models of loads: Forces, Moments, and Distributed Loads.

2. Modeling

: Modeling is the process of creating a simplified version of reality and using this to get useful results. Statics idealizes the real world using two main system types: particle and rigid body. Statics idealizes loads using three main concepts: Forces, Moments, and Distributed Loads. Statics idealizes loads using a sketch called a Free Body Diagram (FBD).

3. Appropriate Math

: Statics requires algebra, geometry, trig especially vector algebra, and sometimes calculus.

4. Newton’s Laws.

: The foundation of Statics is Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and Law of Universal Gravitation. These equations are used to derive the equations that are used to solve most statics problems: \(W=mg\), Force equilibrium and Moment Equilbrium.