STATICS & STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

 SYLLABUS  & 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 connected 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 may be useful or needed from time to time. (R.Foley: 715-232-1158 or during the Summer: 715-235-1889)

4. 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.

5. 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. You may download NetMeeting (2.1meg) from the Strength of Materials Directory.  Please read nm3.txt first. You may not want to download NetMeeting until you have talked to your instructor.

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, but uploading files is not possible with these programs. 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.

How does the web-course work?  The basic procedure is shown below.

PROCEDURE: For each topic area assigned the student 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 topic 1;  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 (me) 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.

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 2 is shown below:
Test sample-topic 2

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:
Statics and Strength of Materials students are expected to complete all topics. In case of time considerations, only certain topics in Special Topics may be covered.

• Topic 1:  Statics I - Principles -Vector analysis, Forces, Torque, Equilbrium of Coplanar Systems
• Topic 2: Statics II - Applications -Analysis of Trusses and Frames, applications
• Topic 3: Stress and Strain -Axial & Shear Stress and Strain, Hooke's Law, Young's Modulus
• Topic 4: Beams - Shear Force/Bending Moments; Centroids, Bending Stress, Shear Stress, Beam Selection

• Topic 5: Torsion, Rivets, Welds -Torsion, Shear Stress, Power Transmission; Riveted & Welded Joints
• Topic 6: Columns & Pressure Vessels -Columns, Stresses, Column Design; Thin Walled Pressure Vessels
• Topic 7: Special Topics -Combined Stresses, Inclined Planes, Principle Stresses, Non-axial Loads, Mohr's Circle
• Reference: Tables and Links

COURSE Schedule

While the time needed to complete the course will vary from student to student, a 15 week schedule, with indicated activities might look like the one below.  [Summer students would have to cover the same material in a period of about 10 to 12 weeks.]

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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