Coursera

Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression (Coursera)

Offered by Dartmouth College,
Engineering of Structures: Tension and Compression (Coursera)

This course deals with tension and compression. After going through this course, you will understand why tensegrity structures and sculptures are different from other structures. You will also explore tension and compression in different types of trusses. Additionally you will understand determinacy and realize how it applies to trusses.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

The first module introduces you to the concept of tension and compression. The second module explores topics such as tensegrity structure, trusses, and determinacy. After finishing this module, you will also be able to calculate the force in members of a truss. The third module explores how to build a truss bridge.
Course 3 of 5 in the The Engineering of Structures Around Us Specialization.

What You Will Learn

  • Identify the definitions of the key glossary terms related to tension and compression
  • Recognize why tensegrity structures and sculptures are different from other structures
  • Recognize where tension and compression is in different types of trusses
  • Recognize what determinancy is and how does it apply to trusses

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to Tension and Compression
This module introduces you to the concept of tension and compression.

WEEK 2
Tensegrity, Trusses, and Determinancy
This module explores topics such as tensegrity structure, trusses, and determinancy. After finishing this module, you will also be able to calculate the force in members of a truss.

WEEK 3
Building a Truss Bridge
This module explores how to build a truss bridge

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

L'art des structures 1 : Câbles et arcs (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

L'art des structures 1 : Câbles et arcs (Coursera)

Engineering

L'art des structures propose une découverte du fonctionnement des structures porteuses, telles que les bâtiments, les toitures ou les ponts. Ce cours présente les principes du dimensionnement et les structures en câbles et en arcs. Un deuxième cours présentera les structures en treillis, en poutres et en cadres.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Structures Building Cables
Details
Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone: Mars Mission (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone: Mars Mission (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences

The goal of this capstone spacecraft dynamics project is to employ the skills developed in the rigid body Kinematics, Kinetics and Control courses. An exciting two-spacecraft mission to Mars is considered where a primary mother craft is in communication with a daughter vehicle in another orbit. The challenges include determining the kinematics of the orbit frame and several desired reference frames, numerically simulating the attitude dynamics of the spacecraft in orbit, and implementing a feedback control that then drives different spacecraft body frames to a range of mission modes including sun pointing for power generation, nadir pointing for science gathering, mother spacecraft pointing for communication and data transfer. Finally, an integrated mission simulation is developed that implements these attitude modes and explores the resulting autonomous closed-loop performance.

Jun 22nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Engineering Dynamic Physical Sciences
Details
Materials Data Sciences and Informatics (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Materials Data Sciences and Informatics (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Chemistry

This course aims to provide a succinct overview of the emerging discipline of Materials Informatics at the intersection of materials science, computational science, and information science. Attention is drawn to specific opportunities afforded by this new field in accelerating materials development and deployment efforts.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Statistics Informatics Chemistry
Details
Advanced Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Three Dimensional (3D) Motion (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Advanced Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Three Dimensional (3D) Motion (Coursera)

Engineering

This course is an advanced study of bodies in motion as applied to engineering systems and structures. We will study the dynamics of rigid bodies in 3D motion. This will consist of both the kinematics and kinetics of motion. Kinematics deals with the geometrical aspects of motion describing position, velocity, and acceleration, all as a function of time. Kinetics is the study of forces acting on these bodies and how it affects their motion.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Engineering Structures Motion
Details
Engineering of Structures: Tension (Coursera) Coursera
Dartmouth College

Engineering of Structures: Tension (Coursera)

Engineering

This course deals with tension. Tension is one of the easiest forces to understand. It is a pulling force. When we tend to pull an object, it is in tension. Different elements that resist tension in buildings are ropes, cables, and funicular forms. You will study different structures and identify what role tension plays in their designs. The first module explores tension and its importance in building structures.

Jun 22nd 2026
3 Weeks
Engineering Structures Tension
Details
Introduction to Systems Engineering (Coursera) Coursera
UNSW Sydney - University of New South Wales

Introduction to Systems Engineering (Coursera)

Engineering

"Introduction to Systems Engineering" uses a structured yet flexible approach to provide a holistic, solid foundation to the successful development of complicated systems. The course takes you step by step through the system life cycle, from design to development, production and management. You will learn how the different components of a system interrelate, and how each contributes to a project’s goals and success.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Engineering Systems Engineering Complex Systems
Details
Major Engineering Projects: Governance, Risk and Scope (Coursera) Coursera
University of Leeds

Major Engineering Projects: Governance, Risk and Scope (Coursera)

Engineering

Gain confidence when dealing with stakeholders of major projects by learning to identify and manage those that are involved in the project planning and delivery. This course will enable you to explore project governance in theory and practice. Through real life examples you’ll understand how the critical challenges of the governance in major projects are resolved.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Engineering Project Management Project
Details
The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Mathematics

This course is an introduction to the finite element method as applicable to a range of problems in physics and engineering sciences. The treatment is mathematical, but only for the purpose of clarifying the formulation. The emphasis is on coding up the formulations in a modern, open-source environment that can be expanded to other applications, subsequently.

Jun 15th 2026
13-24 Weeks
Math Physics Linear Algebra
Details
English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Welcome to English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a course created by the University of Pennsylvania, and funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs. This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their English skills in the sciences. In this course, you will explore some of the most innovative areas of scientific study, while expanding your vocabulary and the language skills needed to share scientific information within your community.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
English Technology Engineering
Details
Engineering of Structures: Compression (Coursera) Coursera
Dartmouth College

Engineering of Structures: Compression (Coursera)

Engineering

This course deals with compression. When we push an object, it compresses. Compression is what's going to hold up our building. Arches, vaults, domes, and anti-funicular forms help resist compression. In this course, you will learn about different columns and arches and their role in resisting compression. You'll also build anti-funicular forms.

Jun 22nd 2026
3 Weeks
Engineering Structures Coursera Plus
Details
Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part 2 (Coursera)

Sci: Biology & Life Sciences Engineering

Learn about novel sensing tools that make use of nanotechnology to screen, detect and monitor various events in personal or professional life. Together, we will lay the groundwork for infinite innovative applications, starting from diagnosis and treatments of diseases, continuing with quality control of goods and environmental aspects, and ending with monitoring security issues.

Jun 15th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Biology Chemistry Engineering
Details