THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MECE 2301-02 Statics - SPRING 2017

Room: ENGR 1.268 Time: MW 3:05pm – 4:20 pm
Instructor: Dr. Rogelio Benitez Jr. Phone: (956) 665 2630
Office: EENGR 3.253 Email: rogelio.benitez@utrgv.edu
Office Hours: MTW 4:40 pm – 6:00 pm or by appointment.

Textbook and/or Resource Material:

R. C. Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics Statics, Thirteenth Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall.
[ISBN-10: 0-13-291554-5] + MasteringEngineering license for course ID: MECE2301SP17BTZ.

Course Description:
This course introduces the concepts of engineering mechanics based on the analysis of loads on
physical systems in static equilibrium. Topics include the study of forces, moments, friction,
centers of mass, gravity and pressure using the equations of equilibrium in vector, algebraic, and
calculus forms.

Prerequisites:
A grade of 'C' or better in MECE 1101 and PHYS 2425, and credit/registration in MATH 2414
(or MATH 2488).

Learning Objectives/Outcomes for the Course:

At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Draw correct free-body-diagrams, including determination of whether or not an
object or force system can be analyzed using a particle or a rigid body approach
(H,T,Q).
2. Determine if the forces acting on each body in a system of constrained rigid-
bodies can be obtained and to proceed to solve for those forces using equilibrium
equations (H,T,Q).
3. Express forces in vector form given various forms of component information and
determine force components in arbitrary directions using vector expressions
(H,T,Q).
4. Obtain and express moments in vector form using the right hand rule and the
cross product (H,T,Q).
5. Simplify a system of forces, including distributed forces, to a single force-
moment system (H,T,Q).

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 6. Determine the centroid and/or center of gravity of composite shapes or bodies
(H,T,Q).
7. Determine equilibrium forces acting on single particles in 2D and 3D (H,T,Q).
8. Determine equilibrium loads acting on single rigid bodies in 2D and 3D (H,T,Q).
9. Determine equilibrium loads acting on truss-type structures using the method of
joints and the method of sections.) (H,T,Q).
10. Determine equilibrium loads in frames and machines (H,T,Q).
11. Determine moments of inertia of composite shapes and masses about centroidal
axes or other axes using the parallel-axis theorem.) (H,T,Q).
Key: H-Homework/Projects, T-Test, Q-Quiz

Grading Policy:
Homework 15 %
Quizzes 10 %
Hourly Examinations (3) 45 %
Binder Notes 5%
Final exam 25 %
Final Grade 100%

Grading scale: A: (90- 100), B: (80 – 89), C: (70 – 79), D: (60 – 69), F: (< 60)

Attendance:
1. Attendance will be taken every time the class meets. Any student arriving to class 5
minutes after the class has started will not be allowed in class. Students will be allowed a
maximum of three absences for the whole semester for classes meeting twice a week,
two absences for classes meeting once a week, and one absence for laboratory courses.
Five points will be deducted from the total (100%) for each absence exceeding the
maximum allowable unless documentation justifying that absence is provided.
2. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom during lectures and exams except
for extreme emergencies.

Classroom Policies:
 Take ownership of your own education by being a responsible student.
 Attendance will be taken every time the class meets. Attendance means being present in
class taking notes and paying attention.
 Make-up assignments are NOT allowed because of missing classes.
 You will be counted absent if you:
o Leave the classroom unless you have to go or have an emergency.
o Fall asleep or lay on the desk as if taking a nap.
 The professor can drop a student from the class after accumulating 3 absences to the
lectures and having average course grade less than 60, or for disturbing the class and not
following the rules in this syllabus.

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  You are expected to take notes in class and keep them organized.
 Always bring a calculator (the TI-30X calculator or similar), pencil, and eraser to class.
You will not be allowed to use your cell phone as calculator.
 Show respect for others and keep a professional attitude in class.
 Cell phones and computers are not allowed in class, turn them off and put them away.
 You cannot take or disseminate pictures or videos of lectures or materials in this course
without written authorization of the instructor.

Binder:
Keep an authentic well-organized three-ring binder with dividers for the sections including:
syllabus, notes, homework, quizzes, and exams. Binder will be graded during the final exam.

Homework Format:
Homework will be assigned on Mastering Engineering (ME) every Monday and Wednesday.
You must complete your homework on ME before the due date. Late homework will be
accepted with a 10 point per day penalty. Mastering Engineering assignments should be
solved on engineering paper. In solving the homework assignment, the following four steps
should be followed very carefully:
a) Briefly summarize the statement of the problem.
b) Provide a schematic diagram of the problem (if it applies).
c) Solve the problem using your work in detail by stating your assumptions and
providing the equations you used and the numerical values you obtained.
d) Highlight answers with proper units and discuss your findings.
Mastering Engineering assignments should be turned in on engineering paper with your binder
the day of the Final Exam.

Quizzes:
To ensure that students do their own work, one or two of the problems from the homework, may
be chosen for a short quiz that will be administered the class day the homework is due. Any
discrepancy between the student’s performance on the quiz and the homework assignment may
result in loss of credit in the total homework grade. No makeup quizzes will be given. The two
lowest quizzes will be dropped.

Exams:
1. All exams will be closed book and closed notes. A formula sheet and appropriate tables
may be provided.
2. Absolutely no cell phones, laptops, iPads, iPods, or any other smart technology devices
are allowed in exams.
3. Make-ups for in-class exams for documented emergencies will be scheduled during the
last week of class.

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Calendar of Activities
Include in this section a table or list that provides information for students regarding important
dates, assignments or activities. The UTRGV academic calendar and final exam schedule can be
found at https://my.utrgv.edu/home at the bottom of the screen, prior to login. Some important
dates for Spring 2017 include:

Jan 16 MLK Holiday and Day of Service

Jan17 First day of class for full semester
Jan 30 Last day to add a class for spring 2017 semester
Mar 13 – 18 Spring Break, no classes
Apr 13 Last day to drop (DR grade) a class or withdraw (grade of W)
Apr 14 – 15 Easter holiday, no classes
May 3 Last day of classes for full semester
May 4 Study Day, no classes
May 5 - 11 Final Exams (Schedule)

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 MECE 2303-02 Statics – Spring 2017 – Tentative Calendar of Activities

Reading
Week Day Date Topics
Assignment
Syllabus, Review, Units, Fundamental Principles,
1 1 W 01/18 1.1-1.6
Newton’s Laws
2 2 M 01/23 Force Vectors 2.1-2.4
2 3 W 01/25 Cartesian Vectors and their addition and subtraction 2.5-2.6
3 4 M 01/30 Position Vectors & Force Vectors 2.7-2.8
3 5 W 02/01 Dot product 2.9
Equilibrium of a Particle, The FBD & Coplanar
4 6 M 02/06 3.1-3.3
Systems
4 7 W 02/08 Three-Dimensional Force Systems 3.4
5 8 M 02/13 Three-Dimensional Force Systems 3.4
Center of Gravity, Center of Mass and the Centroid of
5 9 W 02/15 9.1
a Body
6 10 M 02/20 Centroids of Composite Bodies 9.2
6 11 W 02/22 First Examination (Chapters 1, 2, 3)
7 12 M 02/27 Moment of a Force (Scalar) 4.1
7 13 W 03/01 Cross Product, Moment of a Force (Vector) 4.2-4.4
8 14 M 03/06 Moment of a Force about an Axis 4.5
8 15 W 03/08 Moment of a Couple 4.6
9 16 M 03/13 Spring Break (No Class)
9 17 W 03/15 Spring Break (No Class)
10 18 M 03/20 Simplification of Force and Couple System 4.7-4.8
10 19 W 03/22 Reduction of a Simple Distributed Loading 4.9
11 20 M 03/27 Equilibrium of a Rigid Body & FBD’s 5.1-5.2
Equations of Equilibrium & Two- and Three-Force
11 21 W 03/29 5.3-5.4
Members
12 22 M 04/03 Second Examination (Chapters 4 and 9.1-9.2)
3-D FBD’s, Equilibrium Equations, Constrains and
12 23 W 04/05 5.5-5.7
Statical Determinacy
13 24 M 04/10 Simple Trusses, The Method of Joints 6.1-6.2
13 25 W 04/12 The Method of Joints & Zero-Force Members 6.2-6.3
14 26 M 04/17 The Method of Sections 6.4
14 27 W 04/19 Frames and Machines 6.6
15 28 M 04/24 Frames and Machines 6.6
15 29 W 04/26 Third Examination (Chapters 5 and 6)
16 30 M 05/01 Definition of Moments of Inertia for Areas 10.1
16 31 W 05/03 TBD
Comprehensive Final Examination
17 32 W 05/10
(1:15pm-3:00pm)

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 UTRGV Policy Statements

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which
affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please
inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to
initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility
Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time.
Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and
can be contacted by phone at (956) 882-7374 (Voice) or via email at ability@utrgv.edu.
Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can
be contacted by phone at (956) 665-7005 (Voice), (956) 665-3840 (Fax), or via email at
ability@utrgv.edu.

MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD:

Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your
UTRGV account (https://my.utrgv.edu/home); you will be contacted through email with further
instructions. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades.
Online evaluations will be available:

Feb 15 – Feb 21 for Module 1 courses

Apr 12 – Apr 18 for Module 2 courses
Apr 12 – May 3 for full spring semester courses

ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and may be dropped from the course for
excessive absences, refer to page 2 of this document. UTRGV’s attendance policy excuses
students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities,
such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should
contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or
examinations.

SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY:
As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded
that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty
includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any
work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an
examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the
attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and
the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board
of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic
dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, and VIOLENCE:

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In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a “responsible employee” for
reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a
student’s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or
sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing,
discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity,
including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively
strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity,
civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination.

COURSE DROPS:
According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of
DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and
can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the “3-
peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their
academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students
may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other
Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat
rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.