Strength of Materials - Additional Information

ENROLLED STUDENTS & INTERESTED VISITORS

If you are recently enrolled for the UW- Stout Web version of this course, you should have received or should soon be receiving a confirmation letter from Continuing Education.  If you think you are enrolled, but have not received any confirming letter, please contact me by phone or email (See address in next section.)

INTRODUCTION:
To participate in an effective way in this course, the student should have access to computer with an internet browser, such as Netscape, or Microsoft's Internet Explorer (I am currently using Internet Explorer); an email program, and a minimum Internet connection speed of 14,440 bps (if connecting by modem). Access to a fax is useful, but not necessary.

Normally instructor/student communication will be done several different ways:

1. email: (mine is foleyr@uwstout.edu) and I should have yours. Most email programs allow files of all types to be attached, so files may be also exchanged this way. (A possible way for a student to submit problems assignments, etc.)
2. WebPage: After I contact you, I will set up a WebPage for you on our server. Assignments, results, notes, comments, etc intended specifically for you will be available on this page. It will have a url something like this: http://physics.uwstout.edu/Statics/jonesa
3. Telephone: Telephone conversations are often useful or needed from time to time. (R.Foley: 715-232-1158)
4. NetMeeting: There is a (free) Microsoft program called NetMeeting, which allows a "call" over the Internet between two or more computers. Once connected the computers can share a whiteboard (application like paintbrush) on which each party may draw or type simultaneously and observe on each others computer. Additionally, with a microphone audio communication are possible (and with a camera, video also), and file transfers are also possible. This may be an additional communication method.
5. Fax: While not necessary, if available a Fax may be used to exchange some documents. I may be reached by Fax at 715-232-1437
6. FTP: (file transfer protocol): Using an FTP program, such as WS_FTP32, files may be downloaded to student's computer, or uploaded to Instructor's computer. Web browers such as Netscape, or Internet Explorer may also be used to download files to the student's computer.  Related Strength of Materials files will be kept in Strength of Materials Directory.

The communications methods used may vary from student to student. The instructor and student will arrange the best combination of methods of communication in each individual case, depending on the students resources and computer experience and background.  Continue below for additional course information

STRENGTH OF MATERIALS -- 16-WEEK OUTLINE & SCHEDULE

CONTENT: Fundamental Theory of Strength of Materials, including, Static Equilibrium, Stress, Strain, Analysis of Structures (trusses and frames), Thermal Deformation, Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams for Beams, Axial & Shear Stress in Beams, Beam Selection, Torsion, Rivets and Welds, Pressure Vessels, Combined Stresses and Statically Indeterminate Structures.

TEXT: STATICS AND APPLIED STRENGTH OF MATERIALS by Neathery

FORMAT: For each topic area the students will:

1. Do assigned reading from the Web Course lecture notes and/or the assigned textbook.
2. Study examples of specific types of Statics & Strength of Materials problems from Web or textbook materials.
3. Work assigned problems until mastery is achieved.
4. Use internet and/or software resources when appropriate to the topic.
5. Communicate with the instructor for help or general discussions
6. Work sample examinations to test mastery of materials
7. When ready, request, work and submit a topic examination.
8. Retest on the topic, if necessary.
9. Continue on the to the next topic area.

Basically, the student should start at the first topic;  work step by step through the index of activities; and when complete (and fairly confident about the material) request a test.  Please do not hesitate to contact instructor if you have any questions or problems.

ASSIGNMENTS: Student will work assignments to see if they can obtain correct answer, and then submit assignments to instructor to check correctness. Some of the problems are "required", which means the students should work these problems. Other problems are listed as supplementary, which means the students may want to work these problems for practice or to confirm their understanding of the materials.

TESTING: At a time agreed upon by student and instructor, a topic examination will be posted to the student's web page.  A period of time will be given to complete the examination - usually 1 &1/2 to 2 hours.  At the end of that time, the student will submit their answers by means of a submission box on the web page.  The work for the examination is then faxed or sent by mail to the instructor for grading.  Re-Testing on an examination may be possible in a manner to be explained by the instructor.  A link to a sample test for topic 1 is shown below:
Test sample-topic 1

GRADING: Each examination will contribute equally to the student's final grade. Student problem assignment results may also be used in the final grade.

General Topic Areas

• Topics 1 & 2:  Statics - Principles & Applications -Vector analysis, Forces, Torque, Equilbrium of Coplanar Systems, Analysis of Trusses and Frames.  The first part of this material  is considered review and is covered in Web-Material Statics I.  The student is responsible for reviewing this material [and a test may be given], but required course materials will start with Web-Topic Statics II.
• Topic 3: Stress and Strain -Axial and Shear Stress and Strain, Hooke's Law, Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio, Thermal Deformation, Statically Indeterminate Problems. Web students may break the test up for this material into two tests - Stress I, involving structures with no thermal effects present, and Stress II, involving structures with thermal effect present.
• Topic 4-5: Beams - Shear Force/Bending Moments; Centroids, Bending Stress, Shear Stress, Beam safety and Beam Selection.  This topic is broken into two units.  Beams I: Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams and Equations for Beams. Beams II: Axial Bending Stress and Horizontal Shear Stress in Beams, Beam Safety and Beam Selection.
• Topic 5: Torsion, Rivets, Welds -Torsion, Shear Stress, Power Transmission; Riveted & Welded Joints
• Reference: Tables and Links

Additional Topics available if time allows:

• Topic 6: Columns & Pressure Vessels -Columns Buckling Stresses, Column Design; Stresses in Thin Walled Pressure Vessels
• Topic 7: Special Topics -Certain topics from the areas of Combined Stresses, Stress on Planes, Principle Stresses, Non-axial Loads and Mohr's Circle may be covered if time permits.

Strength of Materials students are expected to complete and test on Topics: Statics I / Statics II ; Stress & Strain ; Beams 1; Beams 2; Torsion, Rivets & Welds . 

[If time allows students will be encouraged to study: Columns & Thin-Wall pressure Vessels, Special Topics, particularly  Principle Stresses & Mohr's circle ].

The Minimum/Normal Course Schedule (for a 16 week semester) for Strength of Materials is shown below.   Web students should generally try to follow this schedule.  [Summer students would have to cover the same material in about about 10-12 weeks.] Following the first course schedule is a second compress schedule is the student would like to complete some of the additional topics.
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Schedule I, Minimum Required Material:  This is the normal,expected course schedule.

A more compressed Course Schedule (for a 16 week semester) for Strength of Materials is shown below-for students who wish to cover some of the additional topics     [Summer students would have to cover the same material in about about 10 weeks.]
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Schedule II, Additional Material Included

Finally, I'm sure there may be many overlooked typo's and/or  errors in the materials. I welcome corrections and  suggestions concerning improving these materials. I would like to hear all comments, so please do not hesitate to contact me:  foleyr@uwstout.edu

Associate Professor Robert J. Foley

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