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Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on the relationship between stress and strain in solid, deformable, load-carrying structural and mechanical elements. Various types of loading such as tension, compression, bending, shear and torsion is considered as well as common failure modes and models. Design of structural and mechanical elements to withstand defined static loads is also covered. The objective of the unit is to develop an understanding of equilibrium, stress, strain, deformation and stability of 2D and 3D statically determinate and indeterminate structures, and to provide an introduction to the methods of analysis for design of structural and mechanical elements. The following major topics are covered: concept of stress—tension, compression and shear; stress and strain in 3D, generalised Hooke's law; axially loaded members; torsion; shear forces and bending moments; stresses in beams; analysis of stress and strain; applications of plane stress (pressure vessels, beams and combined loadings); statically indeterminate beams; and column buckling and stability.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply equilibrium conditions to the analysis of structural and mechanical elements; (2) draw normal force, shear force, torque and bending moment diagrams; (3) apply Generalised Hooke's Law, the relationship between Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, shear modulus and bulk modulus, and the stress transformation technique to calculate the normal stress and shear stress in structural elements induced by multidirectional loading in two and three dimensions; (4) use the concept of stress concentration in simple design; (5) assess the effect of material behaviour, cross-sectional properties, and different boundary conditions on stress distribution and structural response to loading; (6) determine principal stress/strain in simple components under various types of loading, use Mohr's circles and apply them to simple failure criteria; (7) choose appropriate failure models based on material behaviour; and (8) apply Euler's column buckling model and stability criteria.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) lab reports; and (3) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Elena Pasternak
Unit rules
Prerequisites
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus
or MATX1011 Multivariable Calculus
and
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
or MATX1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
and ENSC2004 Engineering Mechanics
Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
Incompatibility
ENSC3004 Solid Mechanics
Contact hours
in-class lectures (including continuous assessment): 3 hours per week
practical classes: 2 hours per week
Recommended
reading

Beer, F. P. et al. Mechanics of Materials, 6th edn: McGraw-Hill 2012

Gere, J. M. and Goodno, B. J. Mechanics of Materials, 7th SI edn: Cengage Learning 2009
 

 

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  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.