Question

The study of the mechanics of solids is a central object in the formation of various engineering modalities. And it is not for nothing that it is mandatory discipline in almost all engineering. Almost every concrete human achievement (not just intellectual or virtual), be it a building, a machine, equipment or even a (plastic) work of art, needs a structural support, something that can perform its function mechanically .... (José Roberto de F Arruda). 

Given the great importance of solid mechanics in Engineering, cite and comment on 3 examples of the application of Solid Mechanics in our daily lives, and their importance in solving engineering problems.

Answer 1

There are many practical examples of solid mechanics being used in our daily lives to solve engineering problems, which are explained as follows:

• ECCENTRIC LOADING WHILE DOING BASKETBALL GOAL:

When goal in basketball is done, then due to projected goal basket, both bending stress as well as axial stress occurs. This combined stress is used to determine how much material should be used in order to have an basket which do not bends when goal is done, further, this analysis helps us in evaluating how much material should be used along with which material should be used to make basket.

• SKATE BOARD (SHEAR FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT):

​​​​​​​Skate board is the thing which we all have seen or we still love to ride it. But when it comes to design a skate board which can bear such a heavy weight along with which is tough enough to observe the road impact. In skate board,when we stand, both shear force and bending moment occurs, and while designing it we need to ensure that it does not fails both in shear as well as bending criteria. Furthermore, we need tough material which do not fails till elastic limit of the material and ensures the long life of the board.

• Electric pole design:

​​​​​​​We all have seen electric poles around the street. But one thing which clicks in our mind is that why that electric pole tapers along the height. The reason of tapering electric pole is, we need to ensure uniform stress along the length of the pole. If we assume uniform stress throughout the pole, we saves the material the material of the pole as compared to the simple cylindrical pole. Hence, cost of the pole gets reduced.

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