2.080J: Structural Mechanics

Fall | Graduate | 12 Units | Prereq: 2.002

Applies solid mechanics fundamentals to the analysis of marine, civil, and mechanical structures. Continuum concepts of stress, deformation, constitutive response and boundary conditions are reviewed in selected examples. The principle of virtual work guides mechanics modeling of slender structural components (e.g., beams; shafts; cables, frames; plates; shells), leading to appropriate simplifying assumptions. Introduction to elastic stability. Material limits to stress in design. Variational methods for computational structural mechanics analysis.

Fall 2020 Update: Fully Remote Classes - 2.080 will be taught online in Fall 2020. Lectures will be conducted via zoom, and recorded videos will be posted, along with notes. A weekly recitation section, also via zoom and recorded video, will be devoted to problem solving. Homework will be assigned, and students will submit scanned copies of their work online. There will be two major assessments (~mid-term and final) during the term. The format of these assessments is to be take-home, without collaboration. Student questions can be submitted via Piazza for responses/clarifications, and online office hours will be arranged via zoom. The lack of direct person-to-person interactions will be a challenge for all, but with sufficient effort and good will from all, we look forward to a course comprising a successful introduction to the fundamentals of structural mechanics analysis.