We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Vicki May
This course deals with shear and bending. Shear is a set of parallel, non-collinear forces acting across an element and bending is the curved form taken by a slender element when subjected to loads perpendicular to the element. These forces are easy to understand. You will study how stress and bending force acts for different structures and also, identify what role these forces play in their designs. The first module introduces you to the concept of shear and bending while building structures. The second module explores different understanding of stress and bending. It defines important terms used to understand these forces. It also studies the impact of shear and compression on beams of different materials. You will also learn how to calculate shear stresses and bending stresses. The third module explores how to build a cardboard beam or shelf . You'll also study the structure beam and share a report on it.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/gh9t0f/engineering
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Shear and Bending
This module introduces you to the concept of shear and bending while building structures.
Shear, Bending, and Beams
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Shear and Bending
This module introduces you to the concept of shear and bending while building structures.
Shear, Bending, and Beams
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners interested in shear and bending forces
Develops an understanding of stress and bending, which are core skills for structural design
Emphasizes hands-on learning through the construction of a cardboard beam or shelf
Teaches how to calculate shear and bending stresses, which is relevant to structural engineering
This course may require the purchase of materials for the hands-on project
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Foundational concepts of shear and bending
According to students, this course offers a solid and comprehensive foundation in understanding shear and bending in structures. Learners frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations, noting how complex topics are simplified without losing accuracy, making the material highly digestible. The course is particularly effective in teaching calculations for shear and bending stresses. While generally well-received for its excellent theoretical grounding, some suggest the pacing can be uneven, and those with prior experience may find it too basic. However, the unique cardboard beam project is often highlighted for its ability to effectively visualize theoretical concepts.
Pacing and depth may not suit all learners equally.
"I struggled with this course... The explanations often felt too theoretical without enough step-by-step examples for true beginners."
"As someone with some prior experience, I found this course to be too basic... not for intermediate or advanced learners looking to expand their knowledge."
"For someone with a basic engineering background, it might feel a bit slow at times, but then suddenly jump into more complex derivations."
Helps develop strong skills in calculating structural stresses.
"The way he walked through calculations for shear and bending stresses was exceptionally helpful."
"The course significantly improved my ability to solve problems related to shear and bending stresses."
"I particularly liked the step-by-step approach to calculating stresses."
The hands-on project aids in visualizing theoretical concepts.
"The cardboard beam project, while simple, really helped to visualize the concepts."
"I found the practical application, especially the cardboard beam project, to be surprisingly insightful. It truly helped me bridge the gap between theory and real-world behavior."
"The cardboard beam project surprisingly helped me visualize theoretical concepts."
Provides essential introductory knowledge for structural mechanics.
"This course provided a solid foundation in understanding shear and bending."
"It's a great refresher for professionals or a strong introduction for students."
"The principles taught are fundamental and presented clearly. It prepared me well for more advanced topics."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course."
Complex structural concepts are presented with remarkable clarity.
"The lectures were incredibly clear and concise, breaking down complex topics into digestible parts."
"The instructor's expertise shines through every lecture. He made seemingly dry topics engaging and understandable."
"Absolutely fantastic! The way complex ideas were simplified without losing accuracy was remarkable. I finally understand shear and bending moments properly."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending with these
activities:
Read 'Structural Analysis' by R.C. Hibbeler
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of structural analysis, including detailed explanations of shear and bending, which can supplement the course materials.
Show steps
-
Acquire the book from a library or purchase it.
-
Read the relevant chapters on shear and bending.
-
Complete the exercises and problems at the end of the chapters.
Review principles of shear and bending
Show steps
This activity will strengthen the foundational understanding of shear and bending, which is necessary to fully understand the concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Mechanics of Materials
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes from previous courses or textbooks on the topic of shear and bending.
-
Solve practice problems related to shear and bending.
Tension, shear, and bending tutorial
Show steps
This activity will supplement the course materials by providing additional support and exercises for understanding tension, shear, and bending.
Show steps
-
Watch online tutorials on tension, shear, and bending.
-
Complete practice exercises provided in the tutorials.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Shear and bending problem-solving exercises
Show steps
This activity will provide opportunities to apply the concepts and formulas of shear and bending through repetitive practice, leading to improved problem-solving skills.
Show steps
-
Attempt practice problems on shear and bending from textbooks or online resources.
-
Review solutions to the practice problems to identify areas for improvement.
Create a diagram of a beam
Show steps
By creating a diagram of a beam, students can visualize the concepts of shear and bending and gain a deeper understanding of their effects.
Show steps
-
Choose a type of beam to draw, such as a cantilever beam or a simply supported beam.
-
Draw the beam accurately, including details such as the supports and the applied load.
-
Label the diagram with the important features, such as the shear force and bending moment.
Attend a workshop on structural analysis
Show steps
Attending a workshop on structural analysis will provide students with exposure to real-world applications of shear and bending, enhancing their understanding of the subject.
Show steps
-
Research and identify workshops on structural analysis.
-
Register for and attend the workshop.
-
Participate actively in the workshop, asking questions and taking notes.
Assist in a local construction project
Show steps
Volunteering in a construction project offers hands-on experience in observing the principles of shear and bending in a practical setting.
Show steps
-
Contact local construction companies or organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend safety training and orientation before starting the volunteer work.
-
Assist with tasks related to the design or construction of structures, such as framing or pouring concrete.
Read 'Structural Analysis' by R.C. Hibbeler
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of structural analysis, including detailed explanations of shear and bending, which can supplement the course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Acquire the book from a library or purchase it.
- Read the relevant chapters on shear and bending.
- Complete the exercises and problems at the end of the chapters.
Review principles of shear and bending
Show steps
This activity will strengthen the foundational understanding of shear and bending, which is necessary to fully understand the concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Mechanics of Materials
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes from previous courses or textbooks on the topic of shear and bending.
- Solve practice problems related to shear and bending.
Tension, shear, and bending tutorial
Show steps
This activity will supplement the course materials by providing additional support and exercises for understanding tension, shear, and bending.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch online tutorials on tension, shear, and bending.
- Complete practice exercises provided in the tutorials.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Shear and bending problem-solving exercises
Show steps
This activity will provide opportunities to apply the concepts and formulas of shear and bending through repetitive practice, leading to improved problem-solving skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attempt practice problems on shear and bending from textbooks or online resources.
- Review solutions to the practice problems to identify areas for improvement.
Create a diagram of a beam
Show steps
By creating a diagram of a beam, students can visualize the concepts of shear and bending and gain a deeper understanding of their effects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a type of beam to draw, such as a cantilever beam or a simply supported beam.
- Draw the beam accurately, including details such as the supports and the applied load.
- Label the diagram with the important features, such as the shear force and bending moment.
Attend a workshop on structural analysis
Show steps
Attending a workshop on structural analysis will provide students with exposure to real-world applications of shear and bending, enhancing their understanding of the subject.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify workshops on structural analysis.
- Register for and attend the workshop.
- Participate actively in the workshop, asking questions and taking notes.
Assist in a local construction project
Show steps
Volunteering in a construction project offers hands-on experience in observing the principles of shear and bending in a practical setting.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local construction companies or organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend safety training and orientation before starting the volunteer work.
- Assist with tasks related to the design or construction of structures, such as framing or pouring concrete.
Career center
Learners who complete Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers study how structures like buildings, bridges, and towers can withstand the forces of nature and the weight of their components. As a Structural Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different structures to ensure that they are strong enough and won't collapse. This course may help you learn more about stress and bending forces, and how they impact different materials used in structural design.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and build machines and other mechanical systems. Some Mechanical Engineers work in the field of structural engineering, which is related to this course. Mechanical Engineers also use what they learn in this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different structures.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers plan, design, and build infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They must also understand how shear and bending forces impact the structures they build. This course may help you learn more about the forces that act on civil engineering structures, and how to calculate them.
Architect
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. As an Architect, you would apply knowledge from this course to design structures that are strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. This course may also help you learn more about the forces that act on buildings, and how to calculate them.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. You would need to make sure that the structures are strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. This course may help you become more familiar with the forces that act on buildings and other structures, and how to calculate them.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study the properties and behavior of materials. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. They must understand how shear and bending forces impact different materials. This course may help you to better understand the relationship between the structure of a material and its strength.
Product Designer
Product Designer
Product Designers create new products, from cars to furniture to toys. They must understand how shear and bending forces impact their designs. This course may help you learn more about the forces that act on products and how to design products that are strong enough to withstand them.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design and improve production systems. They use their knowledge of engineering to make sure that products are produced efficiently. As an Industrial Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a production system, and ensure that the system is strong enough and won't break.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and build aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles that fly. As an Aerospace Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of an aircraft, spacecraft, or other vehicle, and ensure that the vehicle is strong enough and won't break.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and equipment. They also work on the design of prosthetics and other medical devices. As a Biomedical Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a medical device, and ensure that the device is strong enough and won't break.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, develop, and build robots. They also work on the design of robotic systems. As a Robotics Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a robot, and ensure that the robot is strong enough and won't break.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineers design, develop, and build cars, trucks, and other vehicles. As an Automotive Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a vehicle, and ensure that the vehicle is strong enough and won't break.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes. They also work on the design of manufacturing equipment. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a manufacturing process or equipment, and ensure that the process or equipment is strong enough and won't break.
Naval Architect
Naval Architect
Naval Architects design and build ships. As a Naval Architect, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a ship, and ensure that the ship is strong enough and won't break.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design and build nuclear power plants. As a Nuclear Engineer, you would apply knowledge from this course to calculate shear and bending forces on different components of a nuclear power plant, and ensure that the plant is strong enough and won't break.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/gh9t0f/engineering
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending.
Provides an introduction to the finite element method, which powerful tool for analyzing the behavior of structures subjected to shear and bending forces. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering or computational mechanics.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of the theory of elasticity, including shear and bending forces. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in research or academia.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of structural analysis, including the analysis of structures subjected to shear and bending forces. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering.
Provides an introduction to the plastic analysis of structures, which method for analyzing the behavior of structures subjected to shear and bending forces beyond the elastic limit. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering.
Provides an introduction to the limit analysis of structures, which method for analyzing the collapse behavior of structures subjected to shear and bending forces. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering.
Provides an introduction to the nonlinear structural analysis, which method for analyzing the behavior of structures subjected to shear and bending forces beyond the elastic limit. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering.
Provides an introduction to the computational structural mechanics, which method for analyzing the behavior of structures subjected to shear and bending forces using computer simulations. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering or computational mechanics.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the mechanics of materials, including shear and bending forces. It good choice for students who are new to the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the structural testing and analysis of materials, including the testing of materials subjected to shear and bending forces. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in materials science or structural engineering.
Provides an introduction to the mechanics of composite materials, which are increasingly being used in structural applications. It good choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering or materials science.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/gh9t0f/engineering
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.8
Effort
14 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Vicki May
Language
English
Transcript
Español
This course belongs to a
collection
called
The Engineering of Structures Around Us. It's comprised of five courses:
- Engineering of Structures: Shear and Bending (viewing)
- Engineering of Structures: Response of Structures
- Engineering of Structures: Compression
- Engineering of Structures: Tension
- Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser