Engineering Mechanics: Statics

Reviewed by Stephen Proietti, Retired Professor/Adjunct Professor, Northern Essex Community College on 11/28/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook covers the fundamental concepts of Statics including vector analysis, forces, moments, static equilibrium, internal reactions, and the properties of geometric shapes. Specifically, it’s an appropriate textbook for Engineering Mechanics: Statics, the first course in the Engineering Mechanics series offered in most university-level engineering programs such as Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics and Mechanics of Materials. At its core, the textbook provides the tools to solve static equilibrium problems and the resolution of internal loads for rigid bodies. The computation of area moments of inertia are also included as stepping stones for the basic concepts of engineering design as noted above.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

To the best of my understanding, the content of the textbook seem to be accurate and comprehensive, however, the student examples and work would need a more thorough evaluation.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content of the textbook is centered on the application of the fundamental principles of Newtonian Mechanics, which is not expected to change anytime soon. The textbook is written and/or arranged in such a way that revisions would be easy and straightforward to accomplish.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook is written with a conversational tone providing lucid and accessible prose addressing students’ presumptions and concerns, especially in the first few chapters. Technical terms are well explained with adequate context for those who may not have any background in engineering, which is appropriate for a first course in engineering design.

Consistency rating: 4

The textbook is internally consistent with its terminology, format, and graphics. Figures are numbered and clearly referenced within the textbook. There are minor proofreading issues regarding vector notation, spelling, and grammar.

Modularity rating: 5

The textbook is appropriately structured into 7 chapters with each chapter developed through multiple subsections providing chapter objectives focused on smaller amounts of learning material assigned at different points within the course. The textbook includes occasional references to other subsections for further information without disruption.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The online version of the textbook is presented in a clear and logical manner with the exception of the summaries at the beginning of each chapter. The chapter summaries are complex and do not have enough context to provide helpful information about the chapter objectives. Perhaps placed at the end of the chapter before Key Takeaways or in the Appendix might prove to be more helpful. Flow questions appeared with the initial, rather complex presentation of the right-hand rule. Once completed, a more utilized approach is introduced near the end of the chapter. The mentioning of a left-hand rule that is not utilized also seems to disrupt the flow of the material. A similar situation occurred with a very confusing evaluation of a 3 X 3 determinant using a method that is only useful for 3 X 3 determinants. Once again, the more utilized method of expansion by row and column is introduced near the end of the chapter, which applies to any order determinant. Excellent links at end of some chapters referring to Wolfram.

Interface rating: 4

For the most part, the textbook was free of significant interface issues, including navigation problems, distortion of images/charts, and any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader. External references provided are exceptionally helpful. At the end of some chapters in the Example section, some of the additional examples 1:5:8 links, etc., did not function. There is a need for more examples for the student to try on their own provided in the Examples section of most chapters. There were also a few integrated links that did not seem to work throughout the textbook. Those that did work were very helpful and productive.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

The textbook had only a few issues with grammar, such as missing spaces in the text under diagrams, exponent formatting in mathematical statements, know vs known typo in an example, and inconsistencies in the formatting of vector equations.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The textbook being focused on the application of mathematics and physics does not seem to be culturally insensitive or offensive. The examples inherently do not have the capability to exhibit diversity and inclusion concerns. If possible, it could make use of examples that are inclusive of a range of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.