MEC 411

COMMON ASSIGNMENT (GROUP PROJECT)

SEMESTER MARCH JULY 2012
Deadline:
11 June 2012
Theme:

STRESS-STRAIN ANALYSIS OF REAL-LIFE STRUCTURE

Synopsis:
In a group of 4-5 persons, students are required to pick one real-life structure and do a stressstrain analysis on it. Each group is then required to present the findings in two formats: written
report and poster presentation. The stress-strain analysis of the structure should include the
calculation for maximum normal stress, maximum shear stress, deformation, etc. Structure with
higher complexity will give you higher marks.
Objectives:
1. To train students to do analysis and apply theories to real life problem and situation (CO1 &
CO2)
2. To develop students teamwork, presentation and communication skills (CO3)
Instructions:
1. Students are required to conduct the exercise in groups (maximum is 5 persons).
2. Take 5 photos of real engineering structures (bridge, truss, bracket, swing, pipeline, tank,
building structure, etc.)
3. Choose the best/ most suitable one structure/ photo as your case study. Complexity of the
structure will be taken into consideration more complex, higher marks.
4. Observe and study the structure/ photo from the perspective of MEC411: Mechanics of
Materials course (materials used, external loadings, and design parameters such as the cross
section, length, width, and diameter).
5. Construct the proper free body diagrams for the chosen structure.
6. Make your own assumptions where necessary and make sure they are justifiable.
7. Determine the support reactions.
8. Determine the internal forces (internal torque, moment, shear and normal forces).
9. Determine the maximum or the critical stress at a significant member (or members) of the
structure.
10. Determine the maximum or the critical deformation at a significant member (or members) of the
structure.
11. Discuss your results. You may discuss your results by comparing the calculated values with the
failure strength of the material which can be obtained from the textbook.
12. Present the findings in two formats: report and poster presentation.
Report requirements and evaluation criteria:
Report should consist of the following items:

Introduction explain briefly on the related theories, principles and formulas.

Problem statement/ Objectives

Methodology & Design Analysis the main solution including assumptions made, FBDs,
equilibrium equations, shear diagram, moment diagram, calculation of normal and shear
stress, calculation of strain and deformation, deflection equations and other related contents.
Results, Discussion and Conclusion
References

Poster requirements and evaluation criteria:

1.
2.

3.

Prepare a poster (A1 size) to present you structure and analyses.

The poster must contain the following: Introduction and objectives, assumptions made, related
theories and principles, formulas, photos of structure, free body diagrams, calculations of
stress and strain/ deformation, discussion, conclusion and references.
Aside from content, your poster presentation will also be judged based on these criteria:

quality of poster (language usage, spelling, etc.)

accurateness of the findings
graphic composition of the poster
smoothness and clarity of presentation
language usage
understanding and question & answer capability
self-appearance and attitude

SAMPLE LAYOUT OF POSTER (A1 SIZE)

Title
Name of group/ students

Intro

Photo of structure

Related Theories
and Formula

Schematic diagram

Free Body Diagram

Objectives or
Problem statement

Assumptions

Calculations/
Analysis of stress

Discussion

Calculation/
Analysis of
deformation/ strain

Conclusion

References

Universiti Teknologi MARA

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Shah Alam

MEC 411
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
ASSIGNMENT (Due date: 11th June 2012)

Lecturer Name:
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Group Members

ID No.

Objectives: After you complete this task, you should be able to:
CO1
CO2
CO3

Apply the basic concepts and fundamental principles in solid mechanics. [PO1, LO1] {C3}.
Analyze and solve simple elastic mechanical members under various loading conditions. [PO3,
LO3, SS1]{C4}.
Function as a productive member of a team to solve problems and effectively communicate the
results. [PO7, LO4, SS2; PO8, LO5, SS3]{A2, A4, P4, P6}
Report Assessment
Introduction and objectives
Complexity of structure
Assumptions
Photos of structure and free body diagrams
Results and calculations of stress and strain
Discussions
Conclusions
References
Total

Comments:

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