We’re so excited to teach one of our favorite engineering topics – solid mechanics. What we cover in this course is fundamental knowledge for mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineers. Our approach is to teach higher level topics like solid mechanics so learners gain the “tools” engineers use to design things and solve problems, as well as get a good understanding of the career fields they are interested in.

Note: Because of the unique nature and hands-on components of this course, a separate kit must be purchased from our website that consists of our Lab Manual, Lab Workbook, Solutions Manual, and our specially designed and 3D printed Lab Equipment. 

So what is solid mechanics? In short, it is the study of how bodies and structural members (e.g. bridge trusses, machine components, walkways, etc.) deflect (move) when a force is applied. In this course learners will explore some fundamental concepts in this field. These concepts are taught using two main experiments – beam bending and column buckling. More specifically, while working through the course learners will study the following topics (don’t worry, everything shown will be fully explained in the course):

1.	Statics – the study of force equilibrium in a structure
a.	Free body diagrams – a tool used in statics to model a structure to study the forces acting on it. Learners will use a free body diagram to model the system to complete calculations.
b.	Spring force – the force generated by the displacement of a spring. Students will use Hooke’s law to find the spring constant of the spring, and then to find the load applied to beams and columns using a spring.
c.	Force equilibrium – learners will use a free body diagram with equilibrium formulas to solve for unknown forces of interest in a system, such as the loads on beams and columns.

2.	Mechanics of materials – the study of the relationship between the forces acting on a solid structure and the resulting deformation
a.	Beam bending – how a beam bends when it is under a transverse load and what material and geometric properties determine its behavior. Learners will apply different loads to different beam orientations, measure the displacement (movement), and compare with theoretical predictions. Through calculation and experimentation learners will see how different beam shapes influence the behavior.
b.	Column buckling – how a column buckles when it is under an axial load and what material and geometric properties determine its behavior. Learners will apply different loads to a column, measure the load at which the column buckles, and compare the results with theoretical predictions. Through calculation and experimentation learners will see how different support conditions influence the behavior.

The way these concepts are taught in this course, through a theoretical explanation followed by experimentation, mimics the way learners will be taught in many university engineering courses. Learners will therefore not only learn the material covered here, but will begin to see the way they will be taught in courses at a university. 

Now that you have a general introduction of what is covered, the below gives the specifics of what learners will do in the course:
•	Use the density of water to apply a force
•	Learn and apply Hooke’s law to find the force rubber bands carry when they are stretched
•	Learn beam bending theory and calculate predictions for experiments
•	Use rubber bands to apply a load to a beam and measure its deflection
•	Learn column buckling theory and calculate predictions for experiments
•	Use rubber bands to apply a load to a column until it buckles

Using our specially-designed Lab Equipment, learners will gather their own data to evaluate and compare with their calculation results. Learners will submit their data and calculation results so the instructor can provide feedback. 

This course is taught with live videos that will include lectures, calculation examples, experiment demonstrations, and interactive discussions. Learners will submit homework for feedback as well as discussion during the live sessions.

The course will meet one hour twice per week for six weeks. A rough breakdown of what will be covered each week is below

Week 1: 
Introduction and Overview  
Spring Theory  

Week 2:
Spring Constant Determination  
Relating Spring Force to Beam and Column
  
Week 3:
Theoretical Force – Deflection Relationship for Beam Bending  
Beam Deflection Predictions  

Week 4:
Beam Bending Experiment  
Beam Bending Results Analysis 
 
Week 5:
Theoretical Force - Buckling Relationship for Columns  
Buckling Load Calculations and Experiments  

Week 6:
Column Buckling Results Analysis and Discussion  
Course Review and Where to Go from Here  

Prerequisites:
This course may sound intimidating, but don’t fear! Basic math including algebra and a willingness to learn are all that is required. Familiarity with unit conversions and different units are a plus.