Introduction to Engineering Mechanics

Mechanics is that branch of physical science which deals with the action of forces on material bodies or it is defined as the branch of science, which describes and predicts the conditions of rest or motion of bodies under the action of forces. Engineering mechanics applies the principle of mechanics to design, taking into account the effects of forces. It deals with the practical applications of mechanics in the field of engineering. Applications of Engineering Mechanics are found in the analysis of forces in components of roof truss, bridge truss, machine parts, parts of heat engines, rocket engineering, aircraft design etc. 

Mechanics is the study of forces that act on bodies and the resultant motion that those bodies experience. With roots in physics and mathematics, engineering mechanics is the basis of all the mechanical sciences: civil engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and aeronautical and aerospace engineering. It plays an important role in designing and analyzing many mechanical systems, such as aircraft, automobiles, bridges, buildings, machinery, pipelines, ships, satellites, and spacecraft. Engineering Mechanics provides the “building blocks” of statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and fluid dynamics. It is the discipline devoted to the solution of mechanics problems through the integrated application of mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles. 

Divisions of Engineering Mechanics 

The subject of Engineering Mechanics may be divided into the following two main groups: Statics and Dynamics.

1) Statics 

It is the branch of engineering mechanics, which deals with the forces and their effects, while acting upon the bodies at rest. 

2) Dynamics 

It is the branch of engineering mechanics, which deals with the forces and their effects, while acting upon the bodies in motion. Dynamics may be further sub-divided into the following two branches: Kinetics and Kinematics

a) Kinetics 

It is the branch of dynamics which deals with the forces and its effect on bodies in motion along with forces causing motion. 

b) Kinematics 

It is the branch of dynamics which deals with the forces and its effect on bodies in motion without considering the forces causing motion.