Mechanical Engineering

Mechanics and Waves

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Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho nº 14433/2024 - 05/12/2024

5 ECTS; 1º Ano, 1º Semestre, 15,0 T + 15,0 PL + 30,0 TP + 3,50 OT , Cód. 912304.

Lecturer
- Luís Carlos Duarte dos Reis (1)(2)

(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor

Prerequisites
Not applicable.

Objectives
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
– Identify and describe the fundamental principles of classical mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, and the conservation of energy;
– Apply the laws of mechanics to solve problems in different engineering contexts;
– Analyse physical systems involving forces, motion and interactions, using appropriate mathematical models;
– Interpret wave phenomena, particularly concerning wave propagation and their properties;
– Solve quantitative problems in mechanics and waves, developing logical reasoning and the ability to create physical models.

Program
1. Introduction to Classical Mechanics
1.1 The History of Newton
1.2 Space-Time
1.3 Limits of Measurement
1.4 Measurement Errors

2.Waves: Transmission of Information
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The Wave Equation
2.3 General Characteristics of Waves

3. From Space-Time Symmetries to Mechanics
3.1 Symmetries and Invariances
3.2 Hamilton’s Variational Principle and Mechanics
3.3 The Return of Newton
3.4 Degrees of Freedom and Generalized Coordinates
3.5 Mechanical Energy
3.6 Linear Momentum
3.7 Angular Momentum
3.8 Conservation Laws
3.9 System Stability. Oscillatory Motion

4.Galilean Relativity
4.1 Accelerated Frames and Inertial Frames

5. Particles and Fields. Electromagnetic Field
5.1 The Fundamental Interactions of Nature
5.2 The Concept of a Field. The Electrostatic Field
5.3 Electric Current
5.4 The Electromagnetic Field
5.5 Electromagnetic Induction
5.6 Electric Circuits
5.7 Laws of the Electromagnetic Field
5.8 Electromagnetic Waves
5.9 Electric Fields in the Presence of Matter
5.10 Magnetic Fields in the Presence of Matter
5.11 Maxwell’s Equations

Evaluation Methodology
Assessment of the course module comprises two components:
1 – Continuous assessment
– Attendance (10 marks): designed to assess the acquisition and understanding of the theoretical concepts of classical mechanics and waves, as well as the ability to solve quantitative problems and apply fundamental laws.
– Presentation and discussion assignment (10 marks): designed to assess the ability to apply the concepts under study, analyse physical phenomena and use appropriate models, as well as communication and critical thinking skills.
Students must achieve a mark of 7 or above in each component to pass the module, with a minimum pass mark of 9.5.
2 – Assessment by examination
– Final examination (20 marks): comprises a theoretical component and a theoretical-practical component, assessing students’ understanding of the fundamentals of mechanics and waves, as well as their ability to analyse and solve problems.
The minimum pass mark is 9.5 marks.

Bibliography
- Beer, F.(2019). Mecânica Vetorial para Engenheiros - Dinâmica. (Vol. 11ª Edição). (pp. 1-894). ISBN: 9788580556179: McGraw Hill
- Jewett, J.(2019). Physics for Global Scientists and Engineers, Volume 1. (Vol. 1 ). (pp. 1-688). ISBN: 9780170355513: CENGAGE LEARNING EMEA
- Mazur, E. e , . (2022). Principles & Practice of Physics. (Vol. 2nd Edition). (pp. 1349). EAN 9781292364704: Pearson
- Reis, L. (2026). Apontamentos de Mecânica e Ondas. Abrantes: Autor
- Serway, R. e Jewett , J. (2004). Physics for Scientists and Engineers. ISBN: ISBN: 0-53-440842-7
- Tipler, P. e Mosca, G. e , . (2009). Física para Cientistas e Engenheiros, Vol. 1. Mecânica, Oscilações e Ondas, Termodinâmica. (Vol. 1). São Paulo: LTC
(2012). Física. (Vol. I). (pp. 1-936). Lisboa: Escolar Editora
(2014). Introdução à Fisica. (Vol. I). (pp. 1-655). Lisboa: Escolar Editora

Teaching Method
The learning of theoretical, theoretical-practical, and laboratory methods and procedures provides knowledge of the course contents and develops skills in mechanics and waves, enabling students to analyze problems effectively.

Software used in class
Interactive Physics.
Phyphox.
Microsoft Teams.
PowerPoint.
Word.
Excel.
PDF.

 

 

 

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