Mastering Statics

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

21 hours 14 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

French, Portuguese, Russian, English, Spanish, Kazakh, German, Hindi, Swedish, Korean, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Thai, Ukrainian, Japanese, Indonesian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish

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Overview

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Course Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdom7zBIfkE Statics is the most fundamental course in Mechanics. In this course, you will learn the conditions under which an object or a structure subjected to time-invariant (static) forces is in equilibrium - i.e. the conditions under which it remains stationary or moves with a constant velocity-. You will also learn how to calculate the reaction forces as well as the internal forces experienced throughout the structure so that later you can properly design and size the foundation and the members of the structure to assure the structure’s safety and serviceability. This course is suitable for learners with interest in different Engineering disciplines such as civil engineering, architecture, mechanical engineering, aerospace. Non engineering disciplines may also find the course very useful, from archaeologist who are concerned about the stability of their excavation sites to dentists interested in understanding the forces transmitted through dental bridges, to orthopedic surgeons concerned about the forces transmitted through the spine, or a hip or knee joint. The content will be primarily delivered using light board. Prof. Katafygiotis is going to write and sketch with color markers directly on the board while facing you. You will have an exciting and interactive learning experience online!

Syllabus

Understanding Forces and Moments

This module introduces the basic operations that learners need to know in order to solve statics problems, we will start by reviewing Newton’s Laws, then introduce Forces and Moments and provide an overview of the vector algebra that governs their operations.

Equivalent Systems of Forces and Equilibrium

We will study the effect of a system of forces and couples acting on a rigid body and will state the conditions of equilibrium for particles, rigid bodies and assemblies of rigid bodies. The number of independent number of equations that are necessary and sufficient for satisfying equilibrium will be clearly stated.

Stability and Static Determinacy

We will discuss the important notions of stability and static determinacy. These are concepts that often are not presented clearly enough in some of the textbooks, causing confusion to students.

Trusses

Trusses are in a sense the simplest structures to analyze, used widely in structures such as bridges, industrial roofs, and cranes. We are going to introduce two methods of analysis, namely the method of joints and the method of sections to determine the member internal forces. In addition, we will study a computer-aided method for analyzing trusses.

Area properties and Moments of Inertia

To be able to deal with more complicated structures and loading scenarios, we will learn how to replace a distributed loading with an equivalent concentrated one using its geometric properties, such as its area and centroid coordinates. We will also learn how to calculate moments of inertia about specific coordinate axes and how to calculate their corresponding values about another translated and rotated system of axes.

Internal Force Diagrams

We will get to the most important part, which is analyzing frames and beams to calculate their internal forces and to draw axial, shear and moment diagrams. Contrary to most textbook presentations, we will adopt a notation that is universally adopted by engineers when using moment diagrams.

Static Analysis of a Structure

In this module, learners will be presented two examples of complex frames for static analysis. Learners should be able to apply what they have learnt in the previous module, calculate and plot the internal force diagrams. By the end of this module. students will be able to correctly draw axial shear and bending moment diagrams of rather complicated frames.

Taught by

Lambros Katafygiotis

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 45 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at Coursera based on 239 ratings

Start your review of Mastering Statics

Anonymous

The Mastering Statics course offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on Coursera is an excellent foundation for students studying engineering, especially civil and mechanical engineering. The course explains fundamental statics…

The Mastering Statics course offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on Coursera is an excellent foundation for students studying engineering, especially civil and mechanical engineering. The course explains fundamental statics concepts such as force systems, equilibrium, free-body diagrams, trusses, frames, centroids, and moments of inertia in a structured and easy-to-follow manner.

One of the strengths of the course is its clear problem-solving approach. The instructor breaks down complex problems into systematic steps, making it easier to understand how to apply theoretical principles to practical engineering situations. The video lectures are well-organized, and the practice problems reinforce learning effectively. The use of diagrams and visual explanations is particularly helpful in understanding force directions, reactions, and internal forces.

Another highlight is the level of difficulty progression. The course starts with basic vector operations and gradually advances to more challenging topics such as distributed loads and structural analysis. This gradual buildup strengthens analytical skills and builds confidence in solving statics problems.

However, the course can be challenging for beginners without prior background in physics or mathematics. Some topics require strong algebra and trigonometry skills, and learners may need to spend extra time practicing outside the provided materials.

Overall, Mastering Statics is a highly valuable course for engineering students who want to strengthen their fundamentals in statics. It enhances problem-solving skills, improves conceptual understanding, and prepares students for more advanced subjects like structural analysis and mechanics of materials. I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a solid understanding of engineering statics.
Anonymous

I found 'Mastering Statics' to be a very solid introduction to the fundamentals of engineering mechanics. The course structure from HKUST is logical, and the problem sets are challenging enough to reinforce the concepts without being overwhelming. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that some of the later modules could use more detailed walkthroughs, but overall, it's a great resource for students.
Anonymous

A great course helped me alot really big thanks to professor Lmabros S. Katafygiotis , During the corona visrus ( COVID - 19) pandemic it became hard for me to learn statics as the college did not provide a good course for online studying but i searched online and found this free corse and it really saved me thanks again professor hope you have good time and stay safe.
Anonymous

Being engineering student it's difficult to understand the topics and lessons like this course statics. this course is one of my difficult Subject in engineering that's why I chose this course to enhance my mathematical ability and more techniques to learn about solving problems in this course. thank you very much Hong Kong University science and technology in great job done in teaching mastering statics.
Anonymous

it was good experience and I recommend all junior engineers should take it as it helps to covers the necessary course areas that are help full in work environment.
Anonymous

The instructor really knows is topic. The class was more difficult that I expected, but I plowed thru it and learned a great deal. The weak point of the class is that the text files for each lecture is a straight computer-generated file of him speak…

The instructor really knows is topic.
The class was more difficult that I expected, but I plowed thru it and learned a great deal.
The weak point of the class is that the text files for each lecture is a straight computer-generated file of him speaking, with no attempt to clean it up, add in paragraph marks, or insert screen shots of the board he is using. This would be helpful.
Another item is that several students requested (several years ago) an answer sheet at the end of each quiz so they could determine why their answers were wrong. This has still not been done and would be very helpful.
The thing that most aggravated me was at the course end there is an 18 question survey asking how I ranked the class. I answered all the questions very honestly. I submitted it and was told I only got 41% of the answers correct and needed to take the survey again to get a score of 80% or better to pass the course. So you are grading me on what I thought about the class ? I call Bullshit on this.
I also rated this class as 4 stars but it would not let submit this review until I changed it to the rating shown above. Again Bullshit.
Anonymous

Great course. Really achieved 👏 It provides a solid foundation in understanding the behavior of stationary objects under various forces, which is crucial in many branches of engineering.
Statics teaches analytical and problem-solving skills that are valuable in a wide range of fields, from civil and mechanical engineering to architecture and construction.
Anonymous

The instructor to this course is beyond excellent, and the lectures are clearly very well prepared. He's one of the best professors I've ever come across in terms of verbal and visual explanation.
Anonymous

Good detailed and clear explanation provided by the Professor. Easy to understand and the quality of video was best I have experienced. I encourage everyone to take the course and master your statics.
Carlos BEAUVIL

C'est un très bon cours pour les étudiants principalement en Génie civil. ce cours m'aide a avoir une comprehension plus approfondi de la statique.
Anonymous

Mastering Statics by HKUST on Coursera is an outstanding course for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in statics. The content is well-structured, with clear explanations of core concepts like equilibrium, force systems, and moments. The professors are engaging, and the examples provided are highly practical, making it easier to understand complex topics.

The quizzes and assignments reinforce learning effectively, helping to develop problem-solving skills. The course is ideal for engineering students or anyone interested in mechanical concepts. I highly recommend it to those who want a deep understanding of statics in a systematic and interactive way.
Anonymous

The course is amazing. It is very helpful for civil engineering or structure engineering in the course.
Anonymous

This course is very interesting. Lecturers competently explain the materials. The video materials are of good quality. great courses
Anonymous

A great course helped me alot really big thanks to professor Lmabros S. Katafygiotis , During the corona visrus ( COVID - 19) pandemic it became hard for me to learn statics as the college did not provide a good course for online studying but i searched online and found this free corse and it really saved me thanks again professor hope you have good time and stay safe.
Anonymous

Ce cours en ligne offre une expérience d’apprentissage immersive, combinant des ressources pédagogiques variées avec une plateforme conviviale. Les vidéos bien préparées captivent l’attention, tandis que les lectures pertinentes approfondissent la compréhension. Les discussions interactives stimulent l’échange d’idées, élargissant les perspectives. Le retour d’information clair et constructif du personnel enrichit l’apprentissage. Les quiz et exercices renforcent activement les connaissances. Le rythme équilibré du cours permet une progression fluide, adaptée à chacun. Cette expérience enrichissante, adaptable et stimulante, promet une valeur ajoutée significative pour l’évolution professionnelle et personnelle.
Anonymous

The course taught by the professor is too good. It starts from the basics and covers the whole statics and all the concepts taught can be directly applied wherever applicable. I thank professor for this course. Except for some (1 or 2 ) mistakes in quizzes rest of the things are fine.
Amanuel Petros Gebissa
1

It has helped me revise and recall what I have learned in my undergraduate education in Civil Engineering.
Anonymous

This is one the best learning online platform.

It is very helpful for everyone engineers and others.
Anonymous

Excellent delivery of statics. A difficult course, as it should be. The professor was clear and very understandable. I would highly recommend it.
Anonymous

I have learn so much in my classes with . He paces the class just right so you feel challenged but not overwhelmed. So many other classes you just read from a text book but in his classes asks questions and gets the students to respond which is both fun and promotes faster learning. He is patient and eager to help. I’m thrilled to have found his class!