Introduction to Engineering Mechanics

This course aims to introduce students to the concepts of engineering mechanics. It develops the concept of equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies which is a required basis for solving engineering problems in mechanical engineering and cognate disciplines. The course reviews the use of vectors for displacement, position and force. Students will learn how to represent engineering problems using free body diagrams and graphical methods. Forces considered are applied as point loads, moments and distributed loads. Internal resultant forces that occur due to axial loading, bending and torsion will be considered. Applications include statically determinate systems only: basic trusses, beams, frames and machines. Concepts of centroids, second moment of area, parallel axis theorem and mass moment of inertia are covered. Elementary solid mechanics ideas such as stress, strain and simple mechanical properties of materials are also introduced.

DP requirements: 40% average for class tests; attendance at all tutorials and class tests required.

Assessment: Examination 60%, class tests 40%, November examination 3 hours.

The University of Cape Town awards credits based on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to determine course and contact hour recommendations per course. 1 NQF credit represents roughly 10 notional hours of work which includes study time, assignments and examinations. Notional hours may very per courses depending on the course level and modality therefore, CEA recommends using NQF credits as a basis to determine U.S. equivalencies (1 NQF=.222 semester credits)