Basic Mechanics Course

Lesson 1 • Work, Energy, and Power Concepts

Defines work, kinetic and potential energy, and power output. Establishes energy conservation as a diagnostic tool for mechanical systems.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to Forces and Vectors

Introduces force as a vector quantity with magnitude and direction. Students apply vector addition to resolve forces acting on objects.

Lesson 3 • Units, Measurement, and Scientific Notation

Covers SI and imperial unit systems, conversions, and precision. Provides the numerical language used throughout all mechanical calculations.

Lesson 4 • Matter, Mass, and Physical Properties

Defines mass, density, and material states relevant to mechanical components. Links material properties to component behavior under load.

Lesson 1 • Fastening and Assembly Tools

Covers screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and hammers for assembly tasks. Proper torque application and tool fit prevent fastener damage.

Lesson 2 • Tool Maintenance and Storage

Teaches cleaning, sharpening, and organized storage of hand tools. Maintained tools perform accurately and reduce workplace injury risk.

Lesson 3 • Measuring and Marking Tools

Covers rules, calipers, micrometers, and scribers for accurate layout. Precision measurement underpins all fitting and assembly work.

Lesson 4 • Cutting and Shaping Hand Tools

Introduces hacksaws, files, chisels, and snips for material removal. Correct technique prevents injury and produces accurate results.

Lesson 1 • Torque Specifications and Tightening Sequences

Introduces torque wrenches and manufacturer torque values. Correct tightening sequences prevent gasket failure and joint distortion.

Lesson 2 • Non-Threaded and Adhesive Joining

Covers rivets, pins, keys, retaining rings, and thread-locking compounds. Students choose joining methods based on load type and disassembly requirements.

Lesson 3 • Thread Forms and Standards

Explains thread geometry, pitch, and unified vs. metric standards. Students match fasteners to tapped holes without cross-threading or stripping.

Lesson 4 • Tapping, Threading, and Helicoil Repair

Covers hand tapping, die threading, and thread insert installation. Students restore damaged threads and create new tapped holes accurately.

Lesson 1 • Bearing Installation and Removal

Teaches press-fit, heat, and puller methods for bearing handling. Improper installation is the leading cause of early bearing failure.

Lesson 2 • Rolling Element Bearing Types

Identifies ball, roller, needle, and tapered bearings by load capacity and speed rating. Correct selection prevents premature failure in rotating assemblies.

Lesson 3 • Plain Bearings and Bushings

Covers sleeve, flanged, and split plain bearings used in low-speed, high-load applications. Students measure clearance and select replacement bushings.

Lesson 4 • Seals, Gaskets, and O-Rings

Identifies lip seals, mechanical seals, gaskets, and O-rings for fluid containment. Correct seal selection and installation prevent leaks and contamination.

Lesson 1 • Belt and Pulley Drive Systems

Introduces V-belts, flat belts, and synchronous belts with tensioning methods. Correct tension and alignment extend belt life and prevent slippage.

Lesson 2 • Gear Types and Gear Trains

Covers spur, helical, bevel, and worm gears with speed and torque relationships. Students calculate gear ratios and identify tooth wear patterns.

Lesson 3 • Clutches and Brakes in Drive Systems

Explains friction clutches, overrunning clutches, and mechanical brakes. Students connect engagement and stopping mechanisms to power transmission control.

Lesson 4 • Shafts, Keys, and Couplings

Examines shaft design, keyway cutting, and flexible coupling selection. Misalignment and imbalance are identified as primary shaft failure causes.

Lesson 1 • Fluid Power Principles

Applies Pascal's law and Bernoulli's principle to hydraulic and pneumatic circuits. Pressure, flow, and force relationships are quantified for practical use.

Lesson 2 • Hydraulic Pumps and Actuators

Covers gear, vane, and piston pumps alongside cylinders and hydraulic motors. Students match pump type to system pressure and flow requirements.

Lesson 3 • Pneumatic Components and Circuits

Covers compressors, FRL units, pneumatic valves, and cylinders. Students configure basic pneumatic circuits for linear and rotary actuation.

Lesson 4 • Fluid Power System Maintenance

Addresses fluid sampling, filter service, leak detection, and pressure testing. Systematic maintenance prevents contamination-related failures in fluid systems.

Lesson 1 • Root Cause Analysis and Reporting

Applies five-why and fishbone analysis to prevent recurrence of mechanical failures. Clear written reports communicate findings to maintenance and engineering teams.

Lesson 2 • Diagnostic Methodology and Logic

Introduces symptom-based, cause-and-effect, and elimination diagnostic frameworks. A repeatable process reduces guesswork and repair time.

Lesson 3 • Vibration and Noise Analysis

Covers imbalance, misalignment, looseness, and bearing defect signatures. Students use basic vibration indicators to locate fault sources.

Lesson 4 • Temperature and Wear Monitoring

Uses infrared thermometers and contact probes to detect overheating components. Wear debris analysis links particle type to failure mode.

Lesson 1 • Maintenance Metrics and Continuous Improvement

Introduces MTBF, MTTR, OEE, and maintenance cost metrics. Students use data to identify improvement opportunities and justify maintenance investments.

Lesson 2 • Lubrication Management Programs

Establishes lubrication routes, quantities, intervals, and contamination controls. A managed lubrication program is the highest-return maintenance investment.

Lesson 3 • Developing Preventive Maintenance Plans

Guides creation of task lists, intervals, and checklists from manufacturer data. Structured PM plans reduce unplanned downtime and extend component life.

Lesson 4 • Condition Monitoring Techniques

Covers vibration trending, oil analysis, thermography, and ultrasound for early fault detection. Data trends trigger maintenance before failure occurs.