Recap and Gotta-Know’s: Statics Section

1. Statics is a heavy portion of this exam (9-12 problems, 9%). Much of your
success in statics is going to depend largely upon your past abilities to solve
problems based on static equilibrium skills. However, there are a couple of
additional areas that you can bank on to be on the test, and would be difficult
to solve without at least taking a look at their equation and an example
problem. *Again, I need admit that I probably batted 50% correct on the
Diagnostic exam you are practicing with. The PRACTICE and ACTUAL EXAMS
were much EASIER than these difficult problems. But if you DO identify the
early onset of a lengthy problem on the test – SKIP IT AND COME BACK TO IT
IF YOU HAVE TIME.
2. Systems of Forces and Moments
a. All of your go-to equations of static equilibrium are provided in the FE
Reference Manual equations. The trick I’ve found, is to identify which
of those problems will be worth your attention based on TIME. As
you crank out more and more example problems, you’ll discover how
some problems will often take a single line of computation, while
others can take upwards of a half a page (and thus, probably not
worth it).
i. An easier example I had- Finding Mz given the force and
displacement vectors (this involved looking up the equation for
Mz = x*Fy – y*Fx) Done.
ii. Remember M = r x F and be prepared to use your vector math
to resolve.
iii. ***Highly expect to have some kind of INCLINED PLANE
problem either in the Statics or Dynamics portions. Review the
different force vectors involved, especially when friction (static
and dynamic) is involved; Normal = mg*cos(theta) ; fr = u*N
b. Trusses
i. Stand-by for a question on identifying the “zero-force”
members in a given truss.
ii. Review your old notes on “method of joints” vs “method of
sections”
1. I doubt you’ll have more than 1-2 truss problems, but
recall the importance of resolving the reaction forces,
which drive most of the rest of the problem.
2. My truss problem was much easier than the rest of the
statics portion problems.
c. Pulleys, Cables, Friction
i. I did NOT have any pulley problems, but just know that there
are a few random, seldom used equations handy to solve them
if you find one on your test i.e. (Belt Tension Relationship – F1
= F2*e^(u*theta))
d. Centroids and Moments of Inertia
 i. *I had 2-3 problems on CENTROIDS or MOI on both the
practice and real exams. DON’T LOSE POINTS HERE!
ii. Recall a composite shapes centroids will most likely turn into a
weighted average of individual shapes (i.e. rectangles, squares,
and triangles). Xc = sum Xi*Ai / Ai
iii. There are MANY shape equations in the Reference Manual but
I’d bet on the standard shapes to be used most commonly.
Recall that the centroid for a right triangle occurs at (1/3) the
length of the ‘flat’ end, or (2/3) the distance from the ‘pointy’
end.
iv. Moment of Inertia- memorize common shapes like a rectangle
(Ixx = b*h^3 / 12)
1. Review the Parallel Axis Theorem! This was a trending
question and easy if you review a problem that covers
the concept. Ix = Ixc + Area*d^2 …know what each of
those terms are and you’ll be halfway there.

*Hope this helps in your studies. A solid Statics background can get make you
some great headway towards that 60+ score. Don’t overestimate your skillset
though and pass up seldom-used concepts like moments of inertia, centroids,
pulleys, and inclined planes. Keep pressing on!*