MECH4101 Continuum mechanics and thermodynamics Emneplan

This course covers the fundamentals of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics. Focus is on solid mechanics of deformable bodies treated as continuous distribution of matter disregarding their molecular structure and is intended to be a comprehensive treatment of the subject at an intermediate level. While mathematicians deal with geometric continuum mechanics using differential geometry and Lie derivatives and engineers study it using traditional strength of material approach, the course here is an in-between approach, covering enough of the general theory to be able to solve problems of interest in solid mechanics.

Knowledge

The candidate:

• can explain the linear elastic theory of continuum mechanics
• can explain the fundamental thermodynamic potentials and Legendre transforms
• can recognize the difference between continuous and discrete systems, can identify each of them through examples and can identify the equations for the former
• can explain the formalism associated with change of configuration (kinematics), the concepts of stress and constitutive relations
• can explain the difference between modelling dimensions and restrictions imposed on deformation fields for reductions as plane strain, axisymmetry and shell
• can identify the limitations and explain the meaning of such restrictions imposed on constitutive models through the principles of thermodynamics.

Skills

The candidate:

• can calculate the values for fundamental parameters i.e., stress, strain, and displacement in static problems of linear elasticity in 1-, 2-, and 3-D domains
• can solve the governing differential equations for the field variables at various locations analytically for simple geometries
• can conduct an independent, limited research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics
• can apply relevant mathematical methods, such as partial differentiation, multiple integration, or Fourier analysis, in derivation and solution of governing PDEs

General competence

The candidate:

• can reflect upon, explain, and critically assess the solution and its procedure applied to solid mechanics problems in 1-, 2-, and 3-D using the appropriate methods
• can communicate independent research work using the correct terminology with peers and academics and to some extent with non-experts
• can explain what continuum mechanics and thermodynamics are used for and how the formulation of continua differs from that of discrete systems conceptually and mathematically.

Lectures and tutorials.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam: Each student must give an individual presentation on an advanced topic related to continuum mechanics and/or thermodynamics. Peer Q&A. 15 minutes presentation + 10 minutes Q&A will follow the presentations.

Written 4-hour exam under supervision.

New/postponed exam:

In the event of a postponed examination in this course, the exam may be held as an oral exam. The results in oral exams cannot be appealed.

None

The student must have passed all exams in the first and second year of the programme.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

• the ways in which perspectives in social work are shaped within specific social and normative contexts and how the field of social work also shapes our understandings of the contexts within which we practice

• the history and development of social work and its influence on contemporary understandings of social work globally
• hegemonic knowledge production in social work, contemporary social problems, social inequalities and systems of oppression for social work in an international context

Skills 

The student can

• identify different perspectives and apply knowledge about how these perspectives are shaped within specific contexts

• critically reflect on how specific conceptualisations shape social work understandings, how context-based and power-based perspectives shape social work practice and how social work practices reinforce these perspectives
• understand how context is key to understanding how social work practice and services are developed and delivered, with reference to values, ethics and anti-oppressive practice

General competence

The student can

• identify and communicate knowledge concerning different, global perspectives on key issues taken up in the field of social work
• exchange knowledge about how dominant norms within social work function to set the premises for models applied and for the meaning this has at the social and individual levels