ME 201 - Strength of Materials

In this introductory course on the strength of materials, the response of simple structural components is analyzed using static equilibrium equations, linear-elastic constitutive material law equations, and deformation compatibility equations. The scope of components under examination includes slender rods experiencing purely axial loading, shafts subjected to purely torsional loads, slender beams subjected to pure bending, thin-walled pressure vessels, slender columns susceptible to Euler buckling, as well as more complex loadings that necessitate stress transformation for the determination of principal stresses, principal angles, and maximum shear stress. Material failure theories are introduced with respect to these combined loading situations. Throughout these applications, there is a strong emphasis on the utilization of Free Body Diagrams (FBDs) to establish relationships between applied external loads and internal forces and moments, facilitating the creation of internal force and internal moment (VM) diagrams. While the primary focus is on the behavior of materials within the linear-elastic regime, an overview of the broader spectrum of elastic/plastic behavior of common engineering materials is given for a more comprehensive understanding.

This lecture course complements and is complemented by the Laboratory course, ME 271L.

Prerequisites EGR 201 , MAT 230
Credits: 3

Class Level Sophomore Undergraduate
Program Undergraduate