-1726828298412.svg)
Structural Analysis: Mechanics of Materials
Learn to analyze and predict mechanical behavior of deformable solids in this 12-week MIT course on strength of materials and structural analysis.
Learn to analyze and predict mechanical behavior of deformable solids in this 12-week MIT course on strength of materials and structural analysis.
This comprehensive course from MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering introduces the principles of structural analysis and mechanics of materials. Students will explore fundamental concepts of continuum mechanics, including internal resultants, displacement fields, stress, and strain, with applications to three essential types of elastic load-bearing elements: bars in axial loading, axisymmetric shafts in torsion, and symmetric beams in bending. The course emphasizes analytical techniques while also introducing computational methods using MATLAB and finite element analysis. As the first part of a three-course series, it lays the foundation for understanding how mechanical engineers use analytical methods to predict structural behavior. Students will learn to apply concepts of equilibrium, geometric compatibility, and constitutive material response to ensure structures perform their mechanical functions without failing.
Instructors:
English
English
Powered by
What you'll learn
Use free body diagrams to formulate equilibrium equations
Identify geometric constraints to formulate compatibility equations
Understand the concepts of stress and strain at a material point
Calculate internal stress and strain fields in loaded structural elements
Predict deformation in loaded bars, beams, and shafts
Design structural elements to prevent failure under various loading conditions
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
Live video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
There are 10 modules in this course
This course provides a solid foundation in structural analysis and mechanics of materials, focusing on the behavior of deformable solids under stress. Key topics include equilibrium equations using free body diagrams, geometric constraints and compatibility equations, and the concepts of stress and strain at material points. Students will learn to calculate internal stress and strain fields, predict deformation in loaded elements, and design structural elements to prevent failure for three fundamental types of slender structural elements: elastic bars, beams, and shafts. The course also introduces numerical methods using MATLAB for structural engineering applications. Throughout the 12 weeks, students will progress from basic principles to more complex analysis, covering axial loading, torsion, and bending. The curriculum includes practical problem-solving and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Introduction and Preliminaries
Module 1
Axial loading I
Module 2
Axial loading II
Module 3
Quiz 1 (Axial Loading)
Module 4
Torsion I
Module 5
Torsion II
Module 6
Quiz 2 (Torsion)
Module 7
Bending I
Module 8
Bending II
Module 9
Quiz 3 (Bending)
Module 10
Fee Structure
Instructors
Pioneering Biomechanics Researcher and Engineering Educator
Dr. Simona Socrate serves as a Senior Lecturer in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Principal Research Scientist at MIT/ISN, where she has shaped engineering education for over two decades. After earning PhDs from both the University of Rome in Nuclear Engineering (1991) and MIT in Mechanical Engineering (1995), she has established herself as an expert in structural mechanics and biomechanics. Her research combines materials science with medical applications, focusing on the mechanical behavior of fabrics, composites, and soft biological tissues. Her groundbreaking work includes studying high strain rate properties of biological tissue for injury prevention and investigating pregnancy mechanics to reduce pre-term delivery risks. As an educator, she has innovated teaching methods through online assessments and learning sequences in large introductory engineering classes, demonstrating her commitment to effective pedagogy
Pioneering Computational Materials Scientist Advancing Energy Technologies
Alexie M. Kolpak serves as the Rockwell International Career Development Assistant Professor in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, where she combines physical chemistry and computational methods to design advanced materials. After earning her PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007, she has established herself as a leader in computational materials design and interface science. Her groundbreaking research includes developing neural network potentials for understanding electrocatalytic nanoalloys, investigating ferroelectric surfaces, and advancing solar thermal fuel technologies. Her work has produced over 300 citations for key publications, particularly in areas of nanomaterial design and catalysis. Her research spans three critical areas: solid-solvent interface structures, catalyst design for environmental applications, and novel materials for energy conversion. Through her innovative approach combining density functional theory with machine learning, she has made significant contributions to understanding complex material systems, particularly in water splitting, CO2 conversion, and multiferroic materials development
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.