PENG9520 Finite Element Modelling and Simulation of Structures Emneplan

The course teaches advanced topics in finite element modelling and simulation of structures such as reinforced concrete, steel and timber structures. The course will also expose students to some of the recent trends and research areas in FEM.

All physical structures exhibit nonlinear behaviour to some extent, and the assumptions of linearity are often simplistic and inadequate for real-life structures. In such cases, linear analysis is only an approximation that makes the analysis of structures more tractable. The analysis of a structure undergoing some form of nonlinear behaviour will be much more accurate if a nonlinear finite element analysis is carried out. Nonlinearities can be caused by changes in geometry or by nonlinear material behaviour. This is an advanced course which follows up on linear FEM and is based on the extension of formulation of the FE equilibrium equations to the nonlinear domain, covering both types of nonlinearities.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering science or related fields.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements. The course is based on knowledge and skills within solid mechanics, statics, design of reinforced concrete and steel structures as well knowledge in finite element method (FEM) in structural analysis and design.

Students who complete the course are expected to have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• can interpret the philosophy behind principles, design and modelling considerations in using finite element methods (FEM) in analysis and design of structures.
• can describe the general steps used in FEM to model and solve complex nonlinear problems in structural analysis and design.
• has detailed knowledge of solution methods for nonlinear static problems, and some knowledge on solution methods for nonlinear dynamic problems.
• has detailed knowledge of nonlinear geometry and nonlinear material models (elastoplastic and others) and the applications of these models in structural analysis.
• can explore the complex issues in convergence of solutions using nonlinear FEM.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• demonstrate the ability to use FEM to produce a reliable prediction of displacements and stresses in nonlinear structural problems of relevance to engineering practice.
• create and design complex engineering structures using finite element methods.
• develop expertise in the usage of commercial finite element software for both linear and nonlinear analysis of complex structures.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• use advanced commercial FEM software.
• understand the importance of verification and validation in research and demonstrate the ability to make critical assessments
• communicate effectively through written reports.

The course consists of three modules.

In the first module, the course staff and guest lecturers will provide a high-level overview of different parts of the internet's architecture.

The second part is a set of practical exercises that are designed to match the topics discussed in the first module.

The third module will consist of a set of seminars, where students elaborate on different parts of the architecture and how they can be assessed and monitored.

None.

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• has an overview of the different elements that comprise the architecture of today’s internet.
• has a good understanding about the approaches for conducting internet measurements and the latest advances in this field.
• be familiar of a broad set of tools that can help analyzing Internet measurments. Of a particular relevance here are tools that originate in other disciplines like Machine Learning and Statisitcal Physics. This will not only expand the available toolset but also increases the potential for interdisciplinory collaboration going forward.

Skills

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• plan and carry out state-of-the-art measurement tasks
• can formulate research questions on the robustness and performance of operational networks, and design measurements for evaluating these questions.
• will have a general practical understanding of how different parts of the internet's architecture interplay to offer a performant end-to-end service.

General competence

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• participate in debates and present aspects of his/her expertise in a way that promotes such discussions.
• drive innovation

None.

Both the presentation of the case in Module 3 of the course and the tool summary document in the practical training part the course will form basis of assessment.

Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

The oral presentation cannot be appealed.

Pass or fail.

The presentation will be assessed by the course leader, whereas the tool summary document will be assessed by the course leader together with an additional examiner. External examiner is used periodically.