Retro tutorial – Week 6

There’s no better way to consolidate learning in Engineering Mechanics than quietly working through problems using pencil and paper (that’s why we call this a ‘Retro Tutorial’).

The equations and data in this week’s retro tutorial are taken from actual engineering practice. It will be a fine contribution towards developing engineers’ eyes.

You will cover rolling resistance for trains, analyse aerodynamic forces on the glider of week 4, and the range of the miniature vehicle we analysed this week.

If you do them all and get hooked it might take an hour, but it will be worth it for the sheer existential pleasure of it all.

Download the tutorial in the Downloads section below and work through the questions. It includes solutions. It’s probably best if you try the problem first before looking at the solution.

Talking points

• One of our Educators (Robin Ford) said “I’m excited by this stuff and hope you are too”. His reasons? “Power liberates us. Once you understand how it works you can harness it to do your will, whether it’s an ancient water wheel or a steam turbine, a bicycle rider or a V8 engine, a Diesel generator or roof-top solar panels, an electric motor in a toy car or a wheel motor in a real one..” What do you make of his excitement?
• What are your thoughts on the benefits of power – and maybe the problems it causes too?