Mechanical Physics

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This course elaborates on statics and strength of materials as introduced in the course Fundamentals of Engineering. Statics is the analysis of physical loads that are exerted on a product, system or component when these systems are in equilibrium. With this precondition, Newton’s law to calculate (unknown) reaction forces can be applied and you learn to perform such calculations on 2-dimensional engineering problems. Once all loads on a system are known, analysis of the stresses or deformations of the system can be performed, needed in order to assess weak points that could lead to material failure. You learn how such an analysis helps in the dimensioning and selection of materials when designing new systems. Overall, you learn to calculate stress distribution, maximum stress and its location, as well as deformation and point of failure of elementary components. In addition to loads, other physical phenomena such as temperature, corrosion, time (aging) can influence the stresses and deformations in materials are studied as well.