Dynamics and Vibrations

PREREQUISITES

 

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE

(Course number designation applies to Texas A&M University: Catalog 2010 pages 419-ff.

 

MEEN 221:  Statics and Particle Dynamics

Statics and Newton’s Laws of Particle Motion                      

Conservation of Linear and Angular Momentum.

Principles of Work and Energy (Potential and Kinetic),           

Impulse and Momentum/Collision of particles

 

MATH 308:  Differential Equations

Solution of Linear Ordinary Differential Equations (operator or Laplace transform methods) AND

Interpretation of solutions (firs and 2nd order systems)

Systems of differential equations.

Basic Theory of complex numbers.

Conversion from Cartesian to polar coordinates.

 

MEEN 357: Engineering Analysis for MEs (concurrent)

Basic knowledge of computing languages (MATLAB, MAPLE, Visual Basic, or any other).

Methods for numerical solution of systems of algebraic equations and linear differential equations, and including evaluation of matrix eigenvalues/eigenvectors

How to program multiple operations using recursive algorithms

 

CVEN 305: Mechanics of Materials

Basic knowledge of material mechanical properties

Stress and strain relationships in elastic materials: rods in torsion, bars under tension/compression, bending of beams.

Design and selection of rods for torque transmission, bars for uniaxial load bearing, and beams for support of loads in flexion.

Stability of structural systems

 

OTHER things you should know

Vector Algebra and Calculus.

Complex numbers

Matrix Algebra including evaluation of determinants and

   solution of systems of linear algebraic equations.

 

Correct use of SI and U.S. Customary units: Conversion skills and equivalence of units.

 

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: DESIRE AND WILL TO LEARN!

 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

 

Mathematical procedures and analysis in assignments and exams will be regarded as erroneous if physical units are handled incorrectly. The least we can expect from conscientious students (potential mechanical engineers) is the correct usage and conversion of physical units and the ability to estimate the right order of magnitude of an answer to an engineering problem.

 

Refer to a math textbook and refresh your knowledge on the analytical solution of linear ordinary differential equations. This material is your sole responsibility since you learned it on a prior class (MATH 308).

 

In my experience, common sense is a must for a successful engineering career!

 

Luis San Andrés

Course Instructor