Mechanics of Deformable Structures: Part 1 (edX)

This course provides an introduction to behavior in which the shape of the structure is permanently changed by loading the material beyond its elastic limit (plasticity), and behavior in which the structural response changes over time (viscoelasticity).

This is the second course in a 3-part series. In this series you will learn how mechanical engineers can use analytical methods and “back of the envelope” calculations to predict structural behavior. The three courses in the series are:
Part 1 – 2.01x: Elements of Structures. (Elastic response of Structural Elements: Bars, Shafts, Beams). Fall Term

Part 2 – 2.02.1x Mechanics of Deformable Structures: Part 1. (Assemblages of Elastic, Elastic-Plastic, and Viscoelastic Bars in axial loading). Spring Term
Part 3 – 2.02.2x Mechanics of Deformable Structures: Part 2. (Assemblages of bars, shafts, and beams. Multi-axial Loading and Deformation. Energy Methods). Summer Term

These courses are based on the first subject in solid mechanics for MIT Mechanical Engineering students. Join them and learn to rely on the notions of equilibrium, geometric compatibility, and constitutive material response to ensure that your structures will perform their specified mechanical function without failing.

What you'll learn

- Use Free Body Diagrams to formulate equilibrium equations in structural assemblages

- Identify geometric constraints to formulate compatibility equations in structural assemblages

- Understand the formulation of thermo-elastic, elastic-perfectly-plastic and linear viscoelastic models for the material response

- Analyze and predict the mechanical behavior of statically determinate and statically indeterminate assemblages with deormable bars in axial loading.