Course code VidEB013
Credit points 5
Total Hours in Course120
Number of hours for lectures32
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16
Number of hours for laboratory classes8
Independent study hours79
Date of course confirmation13.12.2023
Responsible UnitInstitute of Mechanics and Design
Dr. sc. ing.
Bc. sc. ing.
Mate1030, Mathematics II
MateB001, Mathematics I
MmehB008, Theoretical Mechanics I
LauZ3167 [GLAU3167] Strength of Materials I
Students acquire basic knowledge about the strength of materials and methods of its determination, as well as about the methods of calculation of the basic elements of structures. In this part of the course the factors of internal forces and construction of their diagrams, combined stress state, strength theories, strength calculations in basic loads of structures, tensile, compressive, shear, torsion, bending are mastered.
Students learn the principles of engineering calculations of strength, durability and deformation of materials and structures.
Assessment of knowledge - tests and defense of individual works.
Are able to creatively use the principles and methods and techniques of material resistance in the calculation of strength, stability and deformation of engineering structures. Assessment - defense of individual and laboratory works.
Are able to independently solve engineering problems, create calculation schemes for real structures and perform the necessary calculations for equipment design work. Assessment - defense of individual and laboratory works.
1. Introduction. Basic hypotheses of material strength -2h.
2. Geometrical characteristics of section areas, their calculations - 4h.
3. Section method. Diagrams of internal force factors for basic loads. Differential relations in bending - 2h.
4. Calculation of diagrams of internal force factors for basic loads – 4h (Practical work)
5. Definition of stress. Tensile (compressive) load. Hooke's law - 2h.
6. Tensile diagram for plastic and brittle materials. Allowable stress. Tensile strength calculation. Surface compression - 2h.
7. Calculation of tensile strength – 2h (Practical work)
8. Test on the calculation of tensile strength.
9. Tensile test diagram for steel - 2h (Laboratory work).
10. Stress state of axially loaded bars. Combined stress state. Plane stress state and general stress state - 4h.
11. Determination of modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio - 2h (Laboratory work).
12. Generalized Hooke's Law. Deformations of the generalized stress state -2h.
13. Pure shear load. Calculations of welded and riveted joints - 2h.
14. Strength theories - 2h.
15. Torsional loading. Round bar torsion. Calculation of torsional strength -2h.
16. Calculation of torsional strength – 4h (Practical work).
17. Determination of shear modulus in torsion - 2h (Laboratory work).
18. Bending load. Normal and tangential stresses in bending -2h.
19. Determination of stresses in pure bending - 2h (Laboratory work).
20. Tangential stresses in bending. Calculations of bending strength – 2h.
21. Bending strength calculations – 4h (Practical work).
22. Rational cross section of the beam - 4h.
23. Differential equation of the curved axis of the beam and its integration - 2h.
24. Calculation of beam deflection – 2h (Practical work)
25. Test: calculation of bending deformations using the differential equation of the curved axis.
Part-time extramural studies:
All the topics intended for full-time studies are covered, yet the number of contact hours is ½ of the specified number of hours.
The course ends with a test. In order to pass the test, independent work and laboratory works must be defended and tests must be written.
During the independent work students study in depth the topics discussed in the lectures and perform independent work:
1. Independent work: Calculate the geometrical characteristics of the section area for a composite beam.
2. Independent work: Calculate the internal force diagrams of a curved beam.
3. Independent work: Calculate the flat frame internal force diagrams.
4. Independent work: Perform a torsional strength calculation.
5. Independent work: Calculate the bending strength of the beam.
A successful assessment can be obtained in the test if there are no significant errors in the calculations and the process of the calculations is explained. The student receives high marks if the tasks performed in the laboratory and independent works are completed, well-designed and the student is able to answer the questions.
1. Ziemelis I., Kaķītis A., Dominieks L. Materiālu pretestība. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 376 lpp.
2. Russell Hibbeler. Statics and Mechanics of Materials. Pearson; 5th edition, 2016. 936 p.
1. Lavendelis E. Materiālu pretestība. Rīga: Zvaigzne,1986. 341 lpp.
2. Auzukalns J. Materiālu pretestība uzdevumos. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1973. 742 lpp.
1. Gere J. M. Mechanics of Materials. 6th ed. [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 13.12.2020.]. Pieejams: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-fBr8ucz0m4ZGRmdy1yckZXSWM/edit
The study course is included in the Compulsory part of the Bachelor’s study program “Agricultural Engineering” and “ Machine design and Manufacturing”