MECH4103 Finite Element Method Course description

Part 1: All materials allowed in the project report.

Part 2: None in the oral presentation

A course in mechanics of materials or strength of materials e.g., MASK 2300. Knowledge of differential and integral calculus at the undergraduate level. Knowledge of advanced Engineering Mathematics as well as Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Knowledge

The candidate

• can explain when and why finite element analyses are required
• can describe the finite element discretization of continuum mechanics equations
• can form mass and stiffness matrices and analyze simple structures using matrix analyses
• can describe Neumann, Dirichlet, and Robin boundary conditions in finite element analyses
• can explain different types of nonlinearities and implicit and explicit dynamic analyses
• can describe the principal idea of the isoparametric finite element formulation.

Skills

The candidate

• can form mass and stiffness matrices based on consistent isoparametric formulation and analyze simple structures using matrix analyses

• can calculate the entries of dense and sparse finite element matrices for continuum, beam, and shell elements
• can study solid mechanics problems, such as statics, implicit and explicit dynamics, and heat transfer, using FEM
• can use FEM to calculate eigenvalues and vibrational modes of a dynamic system
• can analyze the buckling behavior of simple structures and calculate the critical buckling load using the linear perturbation method
• can calculate and evaluate the post-buckling path for a structure under loading using the Riks arc-length method
• can apply relevant methods for solving problems, including ABAQUS and Python coding
• can apply ABAQUS to set up models and run simulations on complex systems.

General competence

The candidate:

• can transfer a practical engineering problem into a FEM problem and assess the numerical results by comparing them with analytical solutions or experimental results
• can communicate numerical results through a report, using accurate and appropriate terminology of FEM
• can contribute to sustainability by allowing for reduction in consumption of volume of materials during manufacturing, also through efficient problem solving and saving on electricity use and quick improved design through virtual testing
• can contribute to innovation in FEM through modeling discontinuities in structures, such as void, crack, and material interfaces, by enriching the approximation space using extended FEM
• can conduct a project in line with the instructions provided and within the bounds of ethical conduct.

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.

• Completion of a basic materials science course.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of chemical reactions.

Part 1: One internal examiner

Part 2 and 3: Two internal examiners.

External examiner is used periodically.

MEK4300 Introduction to Mechatronics

Graded scale A-F

Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.