Mechanical Structures

Basic knowledge of Applied Mechanics and Strength of Materials.

This course unit adopts student-centered teaching methodologies, articulating theoretical foundations through problem-solving, presenting design challenges, and, complementarily, conducting experimental activities. The aim is to promote active learning by applying knowledge to concrete engineering situations and progressively developing analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

1. Expository and Interactive Approach

The introduction and development of content use a structured and interactive presentation, complemented by application examples and concrete engineering situations.

Active student participation is promoted through guided problem-solving, analysis of different types of stress, and discussion of methodologies and results obtained.

2. Problem-Based Learning and Design Challenges

The application of knowledge is promoted through the presentation of problems and design challenges for structural elements, with progressively increasing levels of complexity.

Students are encouraged to analyze the problem, identify relevant requirements, select appropriate models and calculation procedures, evaluate different solutions, and justify the sizing decisions adopted.

This approach brings learning closer to real-world engineering situations while developing skills in analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.

3. Experiment-Based Learning

Complementarily, experimental activities are carried out to demonstrate and consolidate fundamental concepts and to allow observation of the behavior of real structural elements.

Students participate in the execution and analysis of experimental tests, establishing, whenever appropriate, the relationship between experimental results and predictions obtained through analytical models.

4. Collaborative Learning and Communication

Challenges and practical activities can be developed individually or in small groups, promoting discussion of different approaches, knowledge sharing, and the joint construction of solutions.

Students are encouraged to present and discuss the procedures adopted, the results obtained, and the sizing options, developing technical communication and argumentation skills.

The results of the activities are systematized in technical reports or other communication support elements, promoting the ability to organize, interpret, and communicate information clearly and rigorously.

5. Autonomy, Critical Thinking, and Decision Making

The proposed activities progressively promote students’ autonomy in analyzing and solving engineering problems, stimulating the ability to select appropriate methodologies, evaluate results, compare solutions, and recognize the limitations of the models and hypotheses adopted.

Students develop the ability to make sizing decisions based on scientific and engineering principles, considering the safety, functionality, and efficiency requirements of the proposed solutions.

The Mechanical Structures course adopts an integrated approach, combining theoretical foundations, problem-solving, and experimental analysis of structural element behavior. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Apply the fundamental concepts of stress, strain, and deformation to the analysis, design, and verification of structural elements subjected to different types of loading, including combined stress situations;

2. Determine and interpret stress and strain states in structural elements, including principal stresses and maximum shear stress, and apply strength and design criteria, namely the Tresca and von Mises criteria;

3. Understand the principles of experimental stress and strain analysis, using strain gauges, and compare experimental results with predictions obtained through theoretical models;

4. Apply energy methods in determining displacements and analyzing the behavior of structures subjected to static and impact loads, as well as analyze structural stability phenomena and predict buckling conditions;

5. Integrate theoretical, analytical, and experimental knowledge in the analysis of structural behavior, identifying the hypotheses, limitations, and sources of uncertainty associated with the models and the results obtained;

6. Work effectively individually and in teams, plan and execute analysis and experimentation activities, prepare clear and rigorous technical reports, and communicate results and conclusions appropriately, both orally and in writing.

1. Fundamental Concepts in Structural Components

Unit systems. Concept and types of force, stress and strain. Structural element shapes. Hypotheses and steps in the analysis of a structure. Design principles. Standardization applicable to mechanical structures and their importance. Combined solicitations. Analysis of structural elements subjected to combined solicitations.

2. Stress and strain analysis

Stress Plane State. Main Stresses and Maximum Shear Stress. Generalized Hooke’s law. Strain plane state. Applications of the plane stress state: Stresses in Reservoirs Under Pressure. Study of mechanical structures subjected to combined solicitations. Structural design according to Tresca and von-Mises criteria. Experimental stress analysis: Basic concepts and principles of operation. Types of strain gauges. Extensometric Rosette. Specifications and selection of strain gauges. Gluing and assembly techniques for strain gauges. Application examples.

3. Energetic Methods

General equation of the deformation potential energy. Castigliano’s theorem. Study of structures subjected to impact loads.

4. Buckling

Stability of Structures. Euler’s formula for articulated columns. Generalization of the Euler formula. Eccentric Loads. Application examples.

This course unit offers students the possibility of obtaining approval through two assessment regimes:

A. Continuous and periodic Assessment;

B. Assessment by final exam.

The continuous and periodic assessment regime best suits the objectives and teaching methodologies of the course unit and is the recommended regime for students. This regime prioritizes applying knowledge through the resolution of problems and challenges in analysis and dimensioning, complemented, when appropriate, by experimental activities, and values students' active participation and commitment throughout the learning process.

The final-exam assessment regime is intended for students who cannot meet the attendance and continuous assessment requirements, namely students covered by special statutes or other situations provided for in the applicable regulations, safeguarding the rights conferred upon them.

By the second week of classes, the student must choose the assessment regime they wish to follow, in accordance with the applicable regulations. Failure to indicate this by the second week of classes implies a choice of the final exam assessment regime.

A. Continuous and Periodic Assessment

Under the continuous and periodic assessment system, the Assessment of the curricular unit integrates the following components:

A1. Analysis and Design Challenges (11/20 points)

Throughout the semester, students will complete problems and challenges involving the analysis and design of structural elements, with increasing complexity.

Students may complete the challenges individually or in small groups. They may include analyzing practical situations, selecting and applying calculation models, comparing different solutions, and, occasionally, performing and interpreting experimental results.

The Assessment will consider the ability to analyze and solve problems, the correct application of theoretical principles, the justification of design choices, the critical interpretation of results, and the quality of the presentation of solutions.

A2. Written Assessment Test (8/20 points)

Individual written test, to be carried out during the academic term, involving theoretical questions and application problems, namely analysis of stress and strain states, application of resistance criteria, and resolution of design situations. A3. Motivation, Participation, and Commitment (1/20th of the value)

Continuous Assessment of the student's involvement in teaching activities and the learning process. Specifically, the following will be considered: active participation in classes; commitment and persistence in solving proposed problems and challenges; autonomy in seeking solutions; the ability to justify decisions; and collaboration in group activities.

The grade for this component will be assigned based on observation of the student's performance throughout the semester. It is not directly associated with attendance, which is an independent requirement for access to the continuous and periodic assessment system, but it does take into account the student's punctuality.

The teacher will complete a specific assessment grid to assess this component throughout the semester.

Requirements for Course Completion through Continuous and Periodic Assessment

To obtain course completion through continuous and periodic Assessment, the student must cumulatively meet the following requirements:

1. Obtain a minimum grade of 35% on the Written Assessment Test;

2. Obtain a minimum grade of 35% on the Analysis and Dimensioning Challenges component;

3. Obtain a final grade equal to or higher than 9.5/20;

4. Attend at least 75% of the total classes taught.

Attendance is required to access the continuous and periodic assessment system; presence alone is not subject to grading.

Students who do not meet the requirements for completion through continuous and periodic Assessment may take the final exam, in accordance with applicable regulations.

B. Assessment by Final Examination

Under the final examination assessment system, a written test will be conducted on the dates specified in the academic calendar, graded on a scale of 0 to 20.

The test will consist of a theoretical component and a theoretical-practical component, involving the resolution of problems and case studies of structural analysis and design.

To pass the course unit through the final examination, you must obtain a final grade of 9.5/20 or higher, without prejudice to the other requirements stipulated in the applicable regulations.

NAO