Course: Through Engineers' Eyes - Expanding the Vision: Engineering Mechanics by Experiment, Analysis and Design

You would usually trim a paper model aeroplane by trial and error, but if you do it by calculation you’ll also develop your engineers’ eyes. This video explains the problem …

Engineers often defy gravity. Think of bridges, aeroplanes, or houses. Even washing lines. To understand their tasks they need to know the magnitude of the gravity force, and where it …

If you know the location of the centre of gravity of each component of an object you can find the overall centre of gravity of the whole thing. You do …

Although the two methods look quite different, in both cases the weight vector passes through the pivot so that its moment arm is zero. This video explains in detail how …

Recognising two-force objects can simplify analysis and help understanding. They are part of engineers’ eyes. We’ve used the concept already; this brief video will explain what they are and how …

These experiments provide an alternative approach to locating the centre of gravity. It’s all part of generating engineers’ eyes. You can download instructions to the experiment in the Downloads section …

These simple, quick experiments will give us plenty to analyse later. You can download instructions to the experiment in the Downloads section below. Talking points In the video, did you …

We’ll give you all the guidance you’ll need for designing this engineering component. The video leads you through the process with opportunities to do calculations yourself involving belt tensions, rope …

This quick video highlights your progress towards Engineers Eyes. The concept wheel shows how it all fits together. Week 2 concept wheel (Click to expand) Friction is tricky. Sometimes you …

This analysis produces the most delightful equation. We’ll state it without proof, but if you know calculus, look it up and revel in its elegance. You’ll be using it for …

Here is a classic problem with important practical applications. For example, it can help you when shifting furniture. More importantly it can enlighten you about the stability of road vehicles. …

Two Frenchmen constructed our basic model of friction. It’s rough and ready but often is useful enough for practical purposes. With their ideas we can represent friction on Free-Body Diagrams …

These experiments will open your eyes and get you thinking about how the world works. They’ll get you ready for the theoretical models of friction that are to come. They …

Why is friction important to engineers? Where does it arise? How do engineers handle the problem? This short video sets the scene. Talking points Can you think of Engineering situations …