Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Mechanics
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Introduction
Part of Bioengineering is based on the knowledge of Physics of Continuous Media and Mechanics, allowing to delimit and solve clinical problems. Therefore, Mechanics is a fundamental area of knowledge that students must know in depth so that they can apply it for the resolution of problems within the field of Bioengineering.
Pre-course requirements
None.
Objectives
- To define and properly use the terminology of Mechanics in Engineering.
- To expose the basics of physics on which Mechanics is based.
- To apply kinematics and dynamics to simple cases.
- To solve problems of static balance.
- To identify the center of mass of a body or device.
- To differentiate and calculate the moments of inertia of flat and volumetric elements.
- To introduce the basic concepts of Biomechanics and Strength of materials (also called Mechanics of Materials).
- To promote teamwork and discussion of exercises in the field of Engineering and its clinical application.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that are demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
- CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
- CE2 - To know how to apply the basic concepts of mechanics and biomechanics to resolve problems that are specific to the field of Bioengineering.
- CE4 - To have spatial vision and know how to apply graphic representations, using traditional methods of metric geometry and descriptive geometry, as well as through the application of computer-assisted design
- CG4 - To resolve problems based on initiative, be good at decision-making, creativity, critical reasoning and communication, as well as the transmission of knowledge, skills and prowess in the field of Bioengineering
- CG5 - To undertake calculations, valuations, appraisals, expert reports, studies, reports, work plans and other similar tasks.
- CT3 - To know how to communicate learning results to other people both verbally and in writing, and well as thought processes and decision-making; to participate in debates in each particular specialist areas.
- CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
- CT6 - To detect gaps in your own knowledge and overcome this through critical reflection and choosing better actions to broaden your knowledge.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- Understand the basic principles of kinematics, dynamics and energy.
- Work with 2D and 3D force systems.
- Obtain equivalent force and torque systems.
- Identify statically determined structures, knowing how to calculate the reactions in their joints and supports.
- Calculate centers of gravity of surfaces and volumes in two and three dimensions.
- Apply knowledge of centers of gravity to solve problems with distributed loads.
- Apply knowledge of centers of gravity to solve problems of flat surfaces.
- Apply knowledge of centers of gravity to calculate the external surface and the volume of pieces of revolution.
- Understand and explain what are the moments of inertia, the polar moment of inertia, the products of inertia, the main axes of inertia and the main moments of inertia.
- Calculate the moments and products of inertia of surfaces and masses, with respect to any axis or point.
- Determine the main axes of inertia centered on a given point, and the associated moments of inertia.
- Use the Mohr circle.
- Solve balance problems involving friction forces.
- Apply static equilibrium conditions to particular systems and cases in which friction forces occur, analyzing the equilibrium conditions of the system.
- Develop skills and techniques that facilitate group work.
- Organize a small work team with a clearly determined purpose.
- Evaluate your own work and the work of your peers.
- Analyze the operation of the equipment and assess possible improvements.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Physics
1.1. Units (fundamental units, derived units and conversion factors).
1.2. Vectors (unit vector, vector sum, vector product).
1.3. Kinematics (rectilinear and circular motion).
1.4. Dynamics (Newton's laws, momentum, free solid diagram, friction).
1.5. Energy (potential energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy and energy conservation).
1.6. Friction.
2. Vector mechanics
2.1. Moment of a three-dimensional system of forces with respect to a point.
2.2. Moment of a three-dimensional system of forces with respect to an axis.
2.3. Torque and equivalent force-torque systems.
2.4. The simplest possible equivalent system of a system of parallel forces in space.
2.5 The simplest possible equivalent system of a system of coplanar forces.
2.6. Torque moment.
3. Mass centers
3.1. Definition.
3.2. Centroids of areas.
3.3. Centers of mass of simple and compound bodies.
3.4. Applications of centroids and mass centers.
4. Moments of inertia
4.1. Definition.
4.2. Types of moments of inertia of simple and compound areas.
4.3. Steiner's theorem.
4.4. Mohr circle.
4.5. Types of moments of inertia of simple and compound masses.
5. Rigid solid balance
5.1. Rigid solid, deformable solid and balance concept.
5.2. Balance in two dimensions.
5.3. Balance in three dimensions.
5.4. Statically undetermined solid.
5.5. Special cases of solids subjected to two and three forces.
6. Analysis of systems in balance
6.1. Introduction to structures.
6.2. Method of joints and sections.
6.3. Machines and instruments
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The course combines theoretical classes with individual work, small group work and autonomous work.
The theoretical classes aim to introduce students to the basic concepts of the discipline and give an instructive and informative character, giving a practical approach, inviting reflection and responding to the posed problem.
The autonomous learning process is also developed using the Moodle platform which includes various resources, such as questionnaires, group work, debates, exercises, videos...
The group work is worked during the theoretical classes, answering questions proposed by the teacher that students should discuss and evaluate among equals, following the guidelines set for each exercise.
Classes will be taught in Spanish, although students' questions will be answered in the language of their choice (Spanish, Catalan or English). In addition, the student can choose to perform the exercises, assignments and exams in Spanish, Catalan or English. The teaching material will be mainly in Spanish, except for articles or graphics that may be in English.
Students may use calculator and form during exams. The form may only contain formulas, not explanations.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
In first call:
Participation in class and Moodle platform (problem solving 10%, short questionnaires 10%, practise reports 10%): 30%
Partial exam: 30%
Final exam: 40%
In other calls: 70% of the exam and 30% of the other grades of the course (non-recoverable grade and it is only maintained for an academic year).
Important considerations:
1. Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Cheating in the exams will mean the immediate suspension of the course.
2. In order to pass the course, a 5.0 needs to be achieved in the total calculation and a minimum grade of 4.5 in all valuable parts. If this grade is not reached, the corresponding section will have a zero to calculate the final grade for the course.
3. In the second-sitting exams, the maximum grade students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (grade with honors distinction will not be posible).
4. Attendance to practical sessions is mandatory to pass the subject.
5. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subject to the same conditions as the rest of the students. This is especially relevant with regard to the calendar, exam dates and the evaluation system.
Bibliography and resources
Tipler P, Mosca G. Física para la ciencia y la tecnología. 6a Ed. Barcelona: Reverté, 2010. ISBN 9788429144321. (Physics for Scientists and Engineers)
Beer F, et al. Mecánica vectorial para ingenieros: Estática. 9a Ed. México: McGraw-Hill, 2010. ISBN 9786071502773. (Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics)
Evaluation period
- E1 13/01/2025 P2A03 08:00h