Mechanical Statics for Engineering Technicians: A Visual, Worked-Example Workbook for a 15-Week Course

Book Description Mechanical Statics for Engineering Technicians is a practical, visually focused workbook designed for a one-semester, 15-week Engineering Technology statics course.

Rather than presenting statics as a collection of equations, this book connects fundamental mechanics concepts to the types of systems technicians actually encounter—brackets, cables, beams, trusses, frames, machine components, fixtures, robots, lifting devices, and material-handling systems.

Students learn through a consistent worked-example → guided-practice format. Each chapter includes fully developed examples followed by closely matched “Now You Try” problems, allowing students to apply the same problem-solving process independently.

Topics include:

Forces, units, vectors, and particle equilibrium Moments, couples, and equivalent force systems Free-body diagrams and rigid-body equilibrium Trusses, frames, and machines Friction and engineering applications Centroids, area moments, and beam loading Support reactions, stability, and distributed loads Engineering problem-solving and verification The workbook emphasizes the most important skill in statics: building the correct physical model before beginning the mathematics . Students are guided to identify system boundaries, construct complete free-body diagrams, apply equilibrium equations, maintain consistent units and signs, and check whether calculated results make physical sense.

Modern engineering tools are incorporated as methods of verification rather than replacements for fundamental analysis. Activities include the use of spreadsheets, MATLAB, Python, and CAD , along with guidance for responsible use of AI-assisted tools.

Additional student resources include mathematics review, unit conversions, formula and diagram references, centroid and area-moment tables, software verification guides, hands-on laboratory activities, problem-solving forms, answer keys, symbols and nomenclature, and curated learning links and QR resources.

Written specifically for engineering technology and technician-level education , this book provides an accessible bridge between classroom mechanics and practical engineering applications.

First Edition — Student Edition
Dr. Kay Rand Morgan