Worked examples (2) - Components of a Force in a Plane | Statics of Particles - Engineering Mechanics (Undergraduate Advanced)

This course provides a complete guide to the statics of particles, a foundational topic in engineering mechanics. It covers the principles of force vectors, resultants, and components, first in two dimensions and then extending to three-dimensional space. The core of the course is the analysis of particles in equilibrium, establishing the conditions required for a particle to remain at rest under the influence of multiple concurrent forces. Statics is the essential science behind structural and mechanical design. The principles covered are the basis for designing every stable structure, from bridges and skyscrapers to aircraft frames and engine components. A command of statics is non-negotiable for any engineer, as it provides the fundamental tools required to analyse forces and ensure the safety and integrity of physical systems. By the end of this course, you will be able to resolve any force into its components and calculate the resultant of any system of concurrent forces in both 2D and 3D. You will also be able to draw a complete free-body diagram for any particle and apply the equations of equilibrium to solve for unknown forces, tensions, and reactions in a variety of engineering problems. This course is for undergraduate students in any engineering discipline, including civil, mechanical, and aerospace. It is a core component of any engineering mechanics curriculum and assumes a prerequisite knowledge of introductory physics and vector mathematics. It is the essential foundation for subsequent courses in dynamics and the mechanics of materials.