Statics & Particle Dynamics

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Inés Romero (Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering)
• Email: iromero@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Rowan Engineering Center 226
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Thursday: 1:00–2:30 p.m. (In person, Rowan Engineering Center 226)
  • Friday: 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Force systems, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, trusses and frames, friction, centroids and moments of inertia, and the kinematics and kinetics of particles. ME 201 establishes the foundational principles of engineering mechanics required across mechanical and aerospace disciplines. Building upon Newtonian physics and vector calculus, students learn to construct rigorous free-body diagrams, determine static equilibrium in two and three dimensions, analyze internal forces in trusses, frames, and beams, and model particle kinematics and planar kinetics. Emphasis is placed on systematic problem-solving methods, spatial visualization, and physical intuition essential for subsequent courses in mechanics of materials and machine design.

Prerequisites

PHYS 121; MATH 141 (prior or concurrent).

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ME 201, students will be able to:

1. Construct Free-Body Diagrams: Isolate mechanical systems and draw complete, accurate free-body diagrams showing all applied loads, body forces, and reaction forces or moments.
2. Evaluate Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies: Apply the equations of static equilibrium to solve for unknown support reactions and internal load distributions in two- and three-dimensional determinate structures.
3. Analyze Trusses and Structural Frames: Calculate internal member forces in trusses using the method of joints and method of sections, and evaluate internal pin forces in multi-force frames and machines.
4. Calculate Section Properties: Determine centroids, centers of mass, and area moments of inertia for composite geometries using integration and the parallel-axis theorem.
5. Formulate Particle Kinematics and Kinetics: Model the rectilinear and curvilinear motion of particles using Cartesian, normal-tangential, and polar coordinates, applying Newton's second law, work-energy, and impulse-momentum principles.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Hibbeler, Russell C. Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics. 15th ed., Pearson, 2022. Approx. $85 digital rental ($195 hardcover purchase; reserve copies available at Alkimi Library).
2. Engineering calculation pad (8.5 x 11 green grid) and standard drafting tools (ruler, protractor, compass). Approx. $15.
3. Total estimated cost: Approx. $15 to $100 depending on textbook acquisition preference.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 1: AI Not Permitted for Graded Work)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), ME 201 operates under AI Level 1.

• What is permitted: Students may use AI chatbots solely as interactive conceptual tutors to clarify definitions, review vector mathematics principles, or explain general calculus concepts outside of assigned homework problems.
• What is prohibited: Generative AI systems must not be used to formulate free-body diagrams, solve graded problem set equations, compute equilibrium solutions, or complete examinations and quizzes. Submitting AI-generated derivations as original work constitutes academic dishonesty.
• Disclosure: If an AI model is consulted to understand a general engineering principle related to a problem set, you must include a brief statement at the top of your submission identifying the tool and the nature of the conceptual query.

Grading Components and Weights

• Weekly Homework Problem Sets: 15% (Due Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–14; lowest dropped))
• Biweekly Concept Quizzes: 10% (Administered in class every other Thursday (weeks 3, 5, 9, 11, 13; lowest dropped))
• Midterm Exam 1 (Statics of Particles & Trusses): 20% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Midterm Exam 2 (Rigid Body Equilibrium & Friction): 20% (In class, Thursday, November 5)
• Truss Analysis & MATLAB Computational Project: 10% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Class Engagement & Problem Formulation: 5% (Evaluated through active participation and in-class problem-solving exercises across the semester)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 20% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments are offered in ME 201.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Class attendance and punctual arrival are expected for all lecture sessions. Collaborative problem solving and step-by-step free-body diagram derivations during class cannot be replicated through textbook reading alone. If an unavoidable illness or approved university conflict arises, notify Dr. Romero prior to the scheduled lecture. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Homework problem sets submitted after the Wednesday 11:59 p.m. deadline will incur a 20% penalty per 24 hours late, up to 48 hours. After 48 hours, solutions will not be accepted. To accommodate unexpected personal emergencies, the lowest homework score and lowest quiz score will be dropped automatically.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).