Statics

Course Description

ETG 2520 – Statics (3 credit hours) is a sophomore-level course in the Engineering Technologies taxonomy (General Engineering Technology). The course introduces the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics as applied to bodies at rest. Students analyze force systems, draw and interpret free-body diagrams, and apply the conditions of static equilibrium to particles, rigid bodies, structures, and machines. Emphasis is placed on developing systematic problem-solving strategies using vector mathematics, graphical methods, and algebraic techniques consistent with applied engineering technology practice. The course is transferable across Florida public postsecondary institutions participating in the Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

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

• Apply vector mathematics — including addition, subtraction, dot products, and cross products — to represent and resolve two- and three-dimensional force systems.
• Construct accurate free-body diagrams (FBDs) for particles and rigid bodies, correctly identifying all active and reactive forces.
• Apply the conditions of equilibrium (ΣF = 0, ΣM = 0) to solve for unknown forces and reactions on particles and rigid bodies in two and three dimensions.
• Compute moments and couples produced by forces and force systems about a point or axis, and simplify resultant force-couple systems.
• Analyze simple trusses using the Method of Joints and the Method of Sections to determine member forces in tension or compression.
• Analyze frames and machines by applying equilibrium to multi-body systems with internal connections.
• Determine support reactions for beams and structures subjected to concentrated loads, distributed loads, and couples.
• Locate centroids and centers of gravity of lines, areas, and composite bodies using integration and tabular methods.
• Analyze problems involving dry (Coulomb) friction, including wedges, screws, and belt/rope systems.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering principles to identify, formulate, and solve static equilibrium problems.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be able to:

• Compute area moments of inertia (second moments of area) and apply the parallel-axis theorem for composite cross-sections.
• Analyze forces in flexible cables supporting concentrated or distributed loads, including parabolic and catenary configurations.
• Determine fluid static pressure forces on submerged plane and curved surfaces (hydrostatics introduction).
• Use computer-aided tools (e.g., MATLAB, Excel, or CAD software) to model and verify static equilibrium solutions.
• Introduce concepts of virtual work and its application to the equilibrium of mechanical systems.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered in substantially all Florida college offerings of ETG 2520:

• 1. Introduction to Engineering Mechanics & Statics — fundamental concepts, Newton's Laws, units (SI and US Customary), scalars vs. vectors, significant figures, and problem-solving methodology.
• 2. Force Vectors — vector operations, Cartesian vector notation, position vectors, unit vectors, dot product; resolution and composition of 2-D and 3-D force systems.
• 3. Resultants of Force Systems — finding the resultant of concurrent and non-concurrent force systems; moment of a force about a point and about an axis; couple moments; simplification of general force/couple systems.
• 4. Equilibrium of a Particle — conditions for equilibrium in 2-D and 3-D; free-body diagrams; springs, cables, and smooth surfaces as supports.
• 5. Equilibrium of a Rigid Body — 2-D and 3-D equilibrium equations; support reactions and their FBD representations; statically determinate vs. indeterminate structures; two-force and three-force members.
• 6. Structural Analysis — Trusses — assumptions of truss analysis; Method of Joints; Method of Sections; zero-force members.
• 7. Structural Analysis — Frames and Machines — multi-body FBDs; internal pin forces; distinguishing frames from machines.
• 8. Internal Forces in Structural Members — shear and bending-moment diagrams for beams; distributed loads; relationship between load, shear, and moment.
• 9. Friction — theory of dry (Coulomb) friction; impending motion; friction in wedges, flat surfaces, and threaded screws; belt/rope friction.
• 10. Centroids and Centers of Gravity — centroid of lines, areas, and volumes by integration; composite body method; Pappus–Guldinus theorems (introductory).

Optional Topics

The following topics appear in some, but not all, Florida college offerings and may be included at instructor discretion:

• Area Moments of Inertia — second moments of area; parallel-axis (transfer) theorem; moments of inertia of composite areas; radius of gyration.
• Flexible Cables — equilibrium of cables under concentrated loads and distributed loads; parabolic cable equations; introduction to catenary.
• Hydrostatics (Introduction) — fluid pressure on submerged surfaces; resultant hydrostatic force and its point of application.
• Virtual Work — principle of virtual work; application to equilibrium of simple mechanisms.
• Computational Methods — use of spreadsheets, MATLAB, or engineering software to solve and verify static equilibrium problems.

Resources & Tools

• Primary Textbook: Engineering Mechanics: Statics by R. C. Hibbeler (Pearson) — the most widely adopted text at Florida colleges and universities for this course. Any recent edition is generally acceptable.
• Alternate Texts: Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics by Beer, Johnston, Mazurek & Cornwell (McGraw-Hill); Engineering Mechanics: Statics by Meriam & Kraige (Wiley).
• Scientific / Engineering Calculator: Required; NCEES-approved models (e.g., Casio fx-115 / fx-991 series) are recommended for exam compatibility.
• Drawing Tools: Ruler, protractor, and graph paper for manual FBD sketches and graphical vector problems.
• Computer Software (optional): Microsoft Excel or MATLAB for numerical verification; AutoCAD or similar CAD tools for visualization.
• Open Educational Resources: Engineering Statics: Open & Interactive (engineeringstatics.org) — a free, peer-reviewed OER textbook aligned to standard statics curricula.
• Online Homework Platforms: Mastering Engineering (Pearson), WebAssign, or instructor-provided problem sets.

Career Pathways

ETG 2520 Statics provides the analytical foundation required for a wide range of engineering technology and engineering careers. Completion of this course supports entry into or advancement within the following fields:

• Civil / Structural Engineering Technology — analysis of buildings, bridges, retaining walls, and infrastructure under static loads.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology — design and analysis of machine components, linkages, and load-bearing structures.
• Aerospace Engineering Technology — structural load analysis of airframes and support systems.
• Construction Management — understanding of structural loading for project oversight and field inspection roles.
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology — fixture design, tooling, and force analysis in production environments.
• Pre-Engineering Transfer Pathway — this course articulates as an equivalent to engineering statics courses (e.g., EGN 3310 at UCF, EGM 3512 at FSU) under Florida's SCNS transfer guarantee, supporting seamless transfer into ABET-accredited B.S. Engineering and Engineering Technology programs at Florida universities.

Special Information

FE Exam Preparation: The content of ETG 2520 directly maps to the Statics topic area of the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Students planning to sit for the FE exam — particularly the FE Other Disciplines or FE Civil exams — should pay careful attention to force systems, equilibrium, trusses, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia, all of which appear on the exam.

Prerequisite for Dynamics: ETG 2520 is a prerequisite for ETG 2540 Dynamics (or equivalent) and for courses in Strength of Materials / Mechanics of Materials. Students should achieve a solid working knowledge of free-body diagrams and equilibrium equations before proceeding.

ABET / Accreditation Note: For students enrolled in Engineering Technology A.S. programs accredited by or aligned with ABET standards (such as those offered through the FLATE statewide framework), ETG 2520 satisfies the required engineering mechanics core competency in statics.