Finite Element Methods FEM (4 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Computer aided structural analysis is an important skill for a structure designer in the modern digitalized world. On this course you will learn to analyze and simulate structures with the numerical finite element method. You will know how to determine the stress, deflection and safety factor of a given structure. You learn to analyze the stability and buckling behavior, and you also know how to calculate the natural vibration frequencies of the structure. Moreover, you understand how to apply this information in your designs.

Knowledge and understanding:
You understand the theoretical concepts in the finite element method.

Investigations and information retrieval:
You master the information retrieval skills in problem solving and are able to apply the retrieved information.

Engineering Practice:
You know how to carry out a FEM analysis for a given structure, and you are able to interpret the results.

Content

Theoretical basis of the finite element method. Element types: solid elements, beam element and shell elements. Contact elements and assemblies. Buckling analysis. Non-linear static analysis. Modal analysis. Interpretation of the results and practical applications.

Materials

Theory handouts + exercises
Support material: Hartmann, Katz: Structural Analysis with Finite Elements, 2nd Edition

Completion alternatives

Exercises and a final exam

Student workload

Virtual study and Independent work 100 h.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The assessment is based on exams.

Sufficient (1): You know the basic concepts of the course but you have difficulties in applying these concepts in practice.

Satisfactory (2): You know the basic concepts of the course and you are able to apply this knowledge in simple applications.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): You know the basic concepts of the course and you are able to apply this knowledge in most applications.

Very good (4): You know the concepts of the course and you are able to apply the skills in applications.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You master the theoretical concepts of the course and you are able to creatively apply this knowledge even in applications.

Qualifications

Basic concepts in structural mechanics: normal stress, shear stress, equivalent stress (Von Mises), strain, displacement, loads and support types. Statics: force and torque balance in frame structures, and calculation of truss forces. Euler’s beam theory.