Object Analysis and Structural Mechanics

Posted on Mar 25, 2025 in Technology

Research and Development (R&D)

Why analyze objects?

  • To determine the object’s size.
  • To understand how it has been assembled or manufactured.
  • To find alternatives.
  • To identify the parts.
  • To analyze the connections between parts.

Methods of Analysis

Phase 1: Identification

  • Name: What is the object called?
  • Utility: What is its purpose?

Phase 2: Anatomy

  • Description: A detailed account of the object’s physical characteristics.

Phase 3: Operation

  • Parts: Individual components.
  • Operation: How each part functions.
  • Assembly: How the parts work together as a whole.

Phase 4: Technical Aspects

  • Size: Dimensions of the object.
  • Weight: Overall mass.
  • Materials: What it is made of.
  • Cost: Production or purchase price.
  • Security: Safety considerations.

Phase 5: Historical Context

  • Historical Influence
  • Historical Improvements

Measurement of Objects

Common Measuring Instruments:

  • Tape Measure: Accuracy of 1 cm
  • Flexible Measuring Tape (Flexometer): Accuracy of 1 mm
  • Folding Meter: Accuracy of 0.5 cm
  • Ruler (1m): Graduated, various accuracies.
  • Caliper: Accuracy of 0.1 mm
  • Micrometer (Palmer): Accuracy of 0.05 mm or 0.01mm

Assessment:

  • Minimum readable unit of measure.
  • Minimum distance on a fixed ruler.
  • Appreciate divisions on a Vernier scale.

Sketches

A sketch is an approximate representation of reality, made freehand with a pencil.

  • Represents a view or perspective of the object.

Steps to create a sketch:

  1. Detailed analysis.
  2. Choosing the most representative view (elevation):
    • Dihedral Elevation (ground line)
    • Triedric Elevation (ground, profile)
  3. Draw lines of symmetry.
  4. Draw with standard, provided pencils.
  5. Draw parallel horizontal and vertical lines.
  6. Proper positioning of views.
  7. Dimensioning of views.

Assembly and Disassembly

This is the process used for repair or replacement of analyzed parts.

  1. Methodical dismantling with suitable tools (previously set pieces and place in a tray).
  2. Proceed to separation and replacement analysis.
  3. Mount the object in the reverse order of disassembly.
  4. Verify correct operation.

Systems Analysis

  • Divide a complex system into simpler subsystems.
  • Analyze each of the parts.
  • Establish functional relationships.
  • Repeat for the other subsystems.

Artistic Extensions:

  • .bml
  • .jpg
  • .jpeg
  • .gif
  • .tiff

Vector Extensions:

  • .dwg
  • .dxf

Structures

Definition: A structure is the arrangement and order of supporting parts that allows them to hold, shape, protect, and provide stability and consistency.

Natural and Artificial Structures

Natural Structures:

  • Skeleton
  • Tree
  • Tortoise Shell
  • Oyster Shell
  • Spiderweb

These are built by nature.

Artificial Structures:

  • Framed (Entramades): Elements are built horizontally and vertically.
  • Triangular: Bars joined together in the form of a triangle.
  • Sheet: Shell or casing.

Structural Stresses

Stress is the force or weight that tends to deform or move the elements of structures.

Types of Stress:

  • Tension: The tendency to stretch or pull apart.
  • Compression: The tendency to crush or compress.
  • Bending (Deflection): The tendency to curve.
  • Torque: The tendency to twist.
  • Shear: The tendency to cut.
  • Buckling (Vinclament): The tendency to warp in long, compressed objects.

Elements of Resistant Framed Structures

Horizontal Elements:

These transmit and divide the weight among the vertical structures. (e.g., Joists and Beams). Subject to bending stress.

Vertical Elements:

These support the weight of the structure and transmit it to the foundations. (e.g., Pillars, Columns, Load-bearing Walls). Subject to buckling stress.

Elements of Resistant Triangular Structures

  • Bars: Structural profiles (L, T, Y, H shapes).
  • Braces (Suspenders): Provide consistency.
  • Joints (Knots): Connections between bars.

A triangle does not deform under external forces.

Triangulation: A procedure that allows for more rigid structures by modifying polygons into triangles.

Study of Triangulated Structures:

Compression and Tension

Sheet Structures

These are characterized by their resistance to bending.