Engineering Analysis: Statics

Course Description

EGN2312 – Engineering Analysis: Statics is a 3-credit lecture course in the Engineering: General taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course introduces the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics applied to bodies in equilibrium. Using vector algebra, students analyze two- and three-dimensional force systems acting on particles and rigid bodies. The course develops the analytical skills required to solve problems involving force resolution, moments and couples, equilibrium of rigid bodies, structural analysis, friction, and the determination of centroids and moments of inertia.

EGN2312 is a foundational course in the Florida engineering A.A. transfer pathway and is one of the most heavily articulated engineering courses in the state. It serves as the prerequisite for engineering dynamics (EGN2322 or EGN3321), strength of materials (EGN3331C), and a wide range of upper-division mechanical, civil, aerospace, and biomedical engineering courses. The course emphasizes problem-solving methodology, including the construction of free-body diagrams and the systematic application of equilibrium equations.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply vector algebra to resolve, add, and analyze forces and moments in two and three dimensions.
• Construct accurate free-body diagrams (FBDs) for particles, rigid bodies, and structural members.
• Apply the equations of equilibrium to determine unknown forces and reactions in 2D and 3D systems.
• Calculate resultants of force systems, including parallel, concurrent, and general force systems.
• Determine internal forces in members of trusses, frames, and machines using the methods of joints, sections, and member analysis.
• Analyze problems involving dry friction, including wedges, screws, belts, and impending motion conditions.
• Locate centroids and centers of gravity for areas, volumes, and composite bodies.
• Compute moments of inertia for areas (second moments of area) and use the parallel-axis theorem.
• Solve distributed-load problems, including hydrostatic pressure, beam loads, and equivalent point loads.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Use computational tools (MATLAB, Python, or scientific calculators with vector/matrix capability) to solve statics problems.
• Determine internal shear forces and bending moments in beams, including construction of shear and moment diagrams.
• Apply principles of virtual work as an alternative analysis method for equilibrium problems.
• Analyze cables and arches under concentrated and distributed loads.
• Apply mass moments of inertia concepts in preparation for dynamics.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• General Principles: Newton's laws, units (SI and U.S. Customary), problem-solving methodology, and significant figures.
• Force Vectors: Vector operations, Cartesian components, position vectors, dot product, and cross product applied to force analysis.
• Equilibrium of a Particle: Free-body diagrams of particles; coplanar and three-dimensional force equilibrium.
• Force System Resultants: Moments of a force about a point and an axis; couples; equivalent force-couple systems; reduction of distributed loads.
• Equilibrium of a Rigid Body: 2D and 3D equilibrium equations; reactions at supports; two-force and three-force members.
• Structural Analysis: Internal forces in trusses (method of joints, method of sections); analysis of frames and machines.
• Friction: Coulomb friction; impending motion; applications to wedges, belts, screws, and bearings.
• Center of Gravity, Centroid, and Center of Mass: Centroids of lines, areas, and volumes; composite bodies; theorems of Pappus and Guldinus.
• Moments of Inertia: Area moments of inertia; parallel-axis theorem; moments of inertia of composite areas; radius of gyration.

Optional Topics

• Internal Loadings in Beams: Shear force and bending moment diagrams.
• Cables: Concentrated loads, uniformly distributed loads, and parabolic and catenary cable analysis.
• Virtual Work: Principle of virtual work; potential energy methods; stability of equilibrium.
• Mass Moments of Inertia: Introduction to mass moments of inertia for use in dynamics.
• Computational Methods: Use of MATLAB, Python, or symbolic algebra tools to solve large or complex equilibrium systems.

Resources & Tools

• Standard Textbooks: Engineering Mechanics: Statics by R.C. Hibbeler (most widely used in Florida); Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics by Beer, Johnston, Mazurek, and Cornwell; Engineering Mechanics: Statics by Meriam and Kraige
• Online Homework Platforms: Pearson Mastering Engineering (commonly required); McGraw-Hill Connect
• Calculation Tools: Scientific or graphing calculator with vector/matrix capability (TI-89, TI-Nspire CX CAS, or equivalent)
• Optional Computational Tools: MATLAB or Python (NumPy) for vector operations and large-system solutions
• UCF Curriculum Alignment Resources: The UCF Curriculum Alignment Project publishes common course outlines and assessment items aligning EGN2312 across Florida State College Direct-Connect institutions
• Reference Standards: Beer/Johnston and Hibbeler problem sets are the de facto standard problem types tested by Florida engineering programs

Career Pathways

EGN2312 is the gateway course for virtually every mechanical, civil, aerospace, biomedical, and industrial engineering pathway in Florida. Successful completion supports progression into the following:

• Engineering A.A. Transfer Pathway – Required course for transfer to upper-division engineering programs at Florida public universities (UF, USF, UCF, FAU, FIU, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, FGCU, Florida Polytechnic).
• Mechanical Engineering – Foundation for design of machines, vehicles, HVAC systems, and manufacturing equipment.
• Civil and Structural Engineering – Foundation for analysis of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure.
• Aerospace Engineering – Foundation for analysis of airframes, spacecraft, and propulsion components, with strong relevance to Florida's Space Coast (Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin).
• Biomedical Engineering – Foundation for biomechanics and the analysis of orthopedic devices, prostheses, and rehabilitation equipment.
• Engineering Technology Programs – Foundational analytical preparation for A.S. and B.S. engineering technology pathways.

Special Information

Articulation and Course Equivalence

EGN2312 is part of Florida's common engineering transfer curriculum. It articulates as equivalent to EGN3311 – Statics at upper-division institutions (FIU, USF, FAU, UCF, etc.), allowing students who complete EGN2312 at a Florida college to satisfy the statics requirement for upper-division engineering programs. Some institutions list this course with the title "Engineering Mechanics – Statics (with Vectors)."

Course Format and Workload

EGN2312 is typically delivered as a 3-credit lecture course (45 contact hours) with substantial out-of-class problem-solving expectations. At some institutions (e.g., Miami Dade College Kendall) the course includes a co-required laboratory or recitation component. Online homework platforms such as Mastering Engineering are widely used to support practice and feedback.

Foundation for FE Examination

Statics is a core topic on the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, which is the first step toward Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure in Florida. Successful completion of EGN2312 with strong mastery of free-body diagrams and equilibrium analysis directly supports FE preparation.