Distributed Loads: Centroids and Centers of Mass

This lecture covers the concepts of distributed loads, focusing on the center of forces, center of mass, and centroids of lines, areas, and volumes. The instructor begins by discussing the importance of understanding distributed loads in structural mechanics, emphasizing how these concepts apply to composite bodies. The lecture includes examples to illustrate the calculation of centroids and centers of mass, providing a practical approach to these theoretical concepts. The instructor explains the methods for determining the resultant of forces acting on a system and how to analyze the equilibrium of structures under distributed loads. The discussion also touches on the implications of these principles in real-world applications, such as in engineering and architecture. The lecture aims to equip students with the necessary tools to analyze and design structures that can effectively handle various load distributions, ensuring stability and safety in engineering practices.