Statics: Analysis and Design of Systems in Equilibrium

Engineering mechanics encompasses the study of whether and how objects move. Its underlying concepts, principles and procedures form the basis of much of engineering practice. This book is appealing in that it presents mechanics as a relatively uncluttered "science". Part I offers an accessible overview of the concepts of mechanics. While important equations are introduced, the emphasis is placed on clearly explaining forces and moments, and how loads are transferred through structures and machines. This introduction helps lay a motivational framework for the more mathematically complete presentation of statics found in Part II.