MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

Lecture 1

Introduction to Mechanics of Solids

Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman
Room 66, Level 2
Civil Engineering Programme
Faculty of Engineering

Module Code: KA20903 (BK2015)

2016-2017 Semester 1
Lecture slides prepared by Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman

Lecture Content
1.1 What is Mechanics of Solids?
1.2 Basic Concepts
1.3 Steps of Problem Solving

Lecture slides prepared by Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman

1.1 What is Mechanics of Solids?

1.

Mechanics is a science of physics related to

stationary or moving body when subjected to force
or temperature. The study for stationary body is
called as mechanic of static, while for moving body
is called as mechanics of dynamic. Figure 1.1 shows
a beam carrying a load. This beam will deflect as
shown by the dashed lines, in which is said to be
under deformation. Actually, the deformation may
be small or difficult to be seen with naked eye. A
few question can be raised, for example
a) What is the value of load that can cause the
beam to break and in which part of the beam it
2.
will break?
b) What is the maximum value of deflection when
the beam starts to break?
c) What will happen if the beam is made by
3.
different materials, for example concrete, steel,
or timber?
d) What will happen if the size of the beam is
increase or decrease?
e) What is the relation between load , material
and size with deflection, ?

Figure 1.1 Beam bending due to loading

These questions require knowledge about the

change in shape (deformation) of a body. In
general, if the beam is made by strong material, the
deflection that occurs is smaller.
Each deformed body has its own strength and
stability. In addition, each structure should be
strong and stable enough so the deformation that
occurred is in the acceptable range. The question
that is related to the breaking is referring to the
strength properties, while the question related to
deflection is referring to stability.
Lecture slides prepared by Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman

1.2 Basic Concepts

Three basic concepts should be known to solve problems to body that undergoes deformation, which
equilibrium, change shape of geometry, and properties of material.
a) Equilibrium
A body is said to be in equilibrium if it is not moving or turning. In other words, the applied force can be
balanced by the reaction forces at the supports. The use of static equilibrium equation on 2 dimensional
problems, which are = 0, = 0, and = 0 depends on the problem itself. For example, the
symbol used to show different supports are shown in Table 1. This support is usually seen in civil
engineering, which are rolled supports, pinned supports, and rigid supports. Roller supports produce one
reaction forces, pinned supports produce two reaction forces, and rigid supports produce three reaction
forces.
a) Change Shape of Geometry
The change in shape occurs at a structure may produce from bending, elongation or shortening. A bigger
change in shape and exceeding the limit can cause a member or structure to fail. It should be noted that
the change in shape should be considered in analysis.

c) Properties of Material
Properties of a material is generally is determined through experiments that can related between force
with shape change. Among parameters that describe the properties of material is modulus of elasticity
and Poissons ratio. This is discussed in Lecture.
Lecture slides prepared by Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman

1.2 Basic Concepts

Table 1.1 Symbols used for supports

Real form

Free body diagram

Fixed / Built-in Support

Restrict horizontal ( ) and

vertical ( ) and moment
() forces

Pinned / Hinged Support

Restrict horizontal ( ) and

vertical ( ) forces

Fixed/Built-in Support

Restrict vertical ( ) forces

only

Lecture slides prepared by Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman

1.3 Steps of Problem Solving

A systematic solution and correct is imperative. Therefore, the steps below should be followed to achieve
this aim.
a) Understanding the Problems
Ensure all data are adequate or related figures (or diagrams) are clearly drawn. Determine parameters
that are needed to be determined.
b) Identify or Design Solutions
To solve the problems quickly and accurately, it should be carefully planned. Specify the principal,
concepts or equation that are involved.
c) Solve the Problems
All three basic concepts discussed in Section 1.3, which are balance, change shape of geometry, and
properties of material are used here. The answers and direction should be predicted first before getting
the actual answer.
d) Checking
The answer obtained should be checked from logical point of view in terms of units, value, and direction.
The answer must also be suitable with the assumptions made. For example, if the angle is small, make
sure the answer is also small.

Lecture slides prepared by Dr. Ahmad Nurfaidhi Rizalman