PREFACE

The subject of mechanics is perhaps the most interesting and important of all subjects in engineering. The purpose of this book is to provide the student with a clear and thorough presentation of the theory and applications of engineering mechanics. Overall, particular attention has been given to developing accurate definitions and explanations of the concepts. A greater emphasis has been placed on drawing free body diagrams by adding specific sections and examples throughout the text on this topic. Also, the importance of selecting an appropriate coordinate system and associated sign convention for vector components is stressed when the equations of equilibrium are applied.

Numerous problems in the book depict realistic situations encountered in engineering practice. It is hoped that this realism will both stimulate the student’s interest in engineering mechanics and provide a means for developing the skill to reduce any such problem from its physical deseription to a model or symbolicrepresentation to which the principles of mechanics may be applied. A large number of conceptual solved examples, self explanatory diagrams, short answer questions and numerous exercise problems with answers are the salient features of the book.

This book on Engineering mechanics is divided into two parts i.e., Staics and Dynamics and covers the introductory course on the subject for engineering students of all disciplines.