Civil, mechanical, aerospace, biomechanical, and robotic systems

The ground-breaking invention of vectors by Gibbs circa 1900 radically simplified geometry and revolutionized force analysis and solid mechanics. The invention of computers transformed our ability to form, solve, and visualize physical systems.

This textbook presents clear concise theory, practical examples, and precise definitions. It provides 2D/3D formulas for rotation matrices, position, mass, force, torque, and more. The textbook carefully explains the force and moment methods for forming equations governing geometry and static equilibrium. Moreover, it provides MG road-maps (D'Alembert's method) for enhanced free-body diagrams to enable intuitive accurate mechanics equations for multibody systems.

With hundreds of interactive problems with thousands of guided steps, this textbook empowers students to confidently execute on math and physics. Additionally, students gain proficiency in solving the corresponding linear and nonlinear algebraic equations.

Interactive and guided.

Homework is interactive and guided, so students continually make progress and steadily succeed. The meaningful problems are synthesized via small intelligible steps. This approach minimizes frustration, cultivates a positive learning experience, and promotes confidence in understanding mechanics as more than a "bunch of tricks". Instruction is effective in empowering students with valuable skills and enables high-quality focused interaction.

School-to-work skills.

School-to-work and school-to-research skills are crucial for engineers. Engineers are motivated to learn when they solve interesting relevant problems and acquire professional skills. The interactive guided problems lead students step-by-step through complex procedures so they synthesize the analytical process and ultimately arrive at a physically significant and satisfying result. The problems in this textbook cover a wide range of engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, aerospace, automotive, bioengineering and robotics.

This mechanics material has trained engineering students at Stanford, Harvey Mudd, Rice University, UPenn, Tufts, San Jose State University, Florida State FAMU/FSU (Tallahassee & Panama), U.Florida (Gainesville), U.Nevada/Reno, U.Missouri/Kansas City, U.Texas/Austin, U.Illinois, Santa Clara University, York College, West Point USMA, Lehigh, LeTourneau, Western New England University, Bucknell, Cal State Northridge, Temple University, Université de Sherbrooke, U.Denver, ... and many force and motion experts in government and industry.