Engineering Mechanics: Statics (2nd Edition) [Hardcover]

A. Bedford (Author), Wallace L. Fowler (Author), A Bedford (Author), Wallace Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0201180707 | ISBN-13: 978-0201180701 | Edition: 2 Sub

This text presents the foundations and applications of statics by emphasizing the importance of visual analysis of topics--especially through the use of free body diagrams. This text also promotes a problem-solving approach to solving examples through its strategy, solution, discussion format in examples. Bedford/Fowler further includes design and computational examples that help instructors integrate these ABET 2000 requirements.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

* NEW—Strategy-Solution- Discussion—Most examples follow this format.

* Promotes students thinking critically about the example vs. rote memorization.

* NEW—Engineering Design—Includes "Application to Engineering" examples that provide discussions of the uses of statics in engineering design.
* NEW—Emphasizes Application—Book places statics within the context of engineering practice by including applications from many fields of engineering.
* NEW—Optional Student Software—Working Model-based Simulation Software specifically for Bedford/Fowler.
* NEW—Computational Mechanics Examples—Provide optional self-contained examples designed to introduce students to the use of computers in engineering. Professors can use any programming language, or math solver of their choice.
* NEW—Earlier coverage of distributed forces on beams (Ch. 7).
* NEW—Earlier coverage of friction (Ch. 9).
* NEW—Reorganized chapter on Internal Forces and Moments (Ch. 10).
* NEW—Strengthened the already superior coverage of FBDs.
* NEW—A revised discussion of loads (Ch. 6).
* NEW—15% more homework problems.
* NEW—A thoroughly revised Solution Manual—Written by Wallace Fowler.

HALLMARK FEATURES

Problem Solving

Uses a "Strategy-Solution-Discussion" problem-solving methodology that explains how to approach problems, solve them, and critically judge the results

Visualization

* Stresses the importance of visual analysis, especially the use of free-body diagrams
* Develops figures gradually and employs "ghosting" techniques to clarify and emphasize concepts emulating the way an instructor teaches

Applications

* Places engineering mechanics within the context of engineering practice by including applications from many fields of engineering
* Introduces design principles with the "Application to Engineering" feature using concepts developed in preceding sections of the chapter

NEW FEATURES * Includes section on distributed forces on beams earlier in the book-now in Chapter 7
* Presents Friction chapter earlier-now Chapter 9
* Reorganizes the material in Chapter 10, now called Internal Forces and Moments
* Strengthens already superior coverage of FBDs
* Presents a revised discussion of loads in Chapter 6
* Provides new examples throughout the book including the popular feature "Application to Engineering"
* Increases the number of homework problems by 15%
* Provides a thoroughly updated solution manual revised by Wallace Fowler

About the Author

Wallace Fowler is Paul D. and Betty Robertson Meek Professor of Engineering in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Fowler received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Texas at Austin, and has been on the faculty since 1966. During 1976 he was on the staff of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, California, and in 1981-82 he was a visiting professor at the United States Air Force Academy. Since 1991 he has been Associate Director of the Texas Space Grant Consortium.Dr. Fowler's areas of teaching and research are dynamics, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft mission design. He is author or coauthor of many technical papers on trajectory optimization and attitude dynamics, and has also published many papers on the theory and practice of engineering teaching. He has received numerous teaching awards, including the Chancellor's Council Outstanding Teaching Award, the General Dynamics Teaching Excellence Award, the Halliburton Education Foundation Award of Excellence, and the AIAA-ASEE Distinguished Aerospace Educator Award.He is a licensed professional engineer, a member of many technical societies, and a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society for Engineering Education.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley; 2 Sub edition (June 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201180707
• ISBN-13: 978-0201180701
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,443,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars horrible, find a better book, March 21, 2001

By 

Dementyev Dementyev - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Engineering Mechanics: Statics (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

What I as a student found lacking in this book: 1.) It has many problems, which is a good thing, but this fact is negated by its lack of a publically available solutions manual and numerous and obvious misprints. 2.) Many of the examples gloss over important points to note and I found many vague and cursory. The instructor I had used more detailed material from other textbooks. Many examples also appeared to be used as a substitute for generalized text explainations and diagrams. It also seemed rather vague on the more theroetical aspects of the material. Considering all the other Statics textbooks out there, chances would favor some of them being a lot better than this one. And taking into account the price, I would consider this book a total waste of resources. If you're a mechanical engineering or aerospace student, you'll probably need a better introduction than this if you hope to survive the more advanced courses.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well though out for the student in mind., June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Engineering Mechanics Statics (v. 1) (Hardcover)

As an engineering student, I found this book very appealing. Its step-by-step presentation of various topics dealing with static structures make it clear and easy to understand for a freshman engineer and can also be used for future quick-reference. Its colorful, crisp diagrams give the student a good opportunity to develop their spatial perception of 3 dimensional objects. Finally, the book's use of calculus is limited and doesn't make the subject intimidating for the first year student.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Terrible book Terrible teacher, October 17, 2011

By 

Keith - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Engineering Mechanics: Statics (5th Edition) (Hardcover)

Book game with excellent quality and thats where the good news ends.

This book is easily one of the worst i've had yet for any subject. Usually in math extensive classes they go through all of the theory and practical applications of the theory. This book explains theory and gives maybe one or two EASY examples by which you can apply to maybe 10% of the problems in the book, the rest you are on your own. Doesn't help that my teacher is not good either. He's a nice guy but hes not a good teacher. Anytime someone asks a question he immediately says that all the problems in the book are the same. The solutions guide is partial doesnt help much if you arent assigned those particular problems.

This is a very conceptual book and subject and not about the 'practice' of the math rather than the 'application' of it.

unfortunately for us students we have to purchase any book which is required by the teacher. Good luck in your course. this stuff isnt easy. Hopefully you will get a teacher that is merciful.