Module overview
This module is aimed at providing exposure to and understanding of advanced, specialist areas of Finite Element Analysis and their underlying Solid/Structural Mechanics concepts. It then
concentrates on using this knowledge for solving discipline-specific engineering problems employing commercial Finite Element Analysis software.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: FEEG3001 or SESM6047 or SESA3042 or SESA2029 or CENV3067
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Aeronautics & Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering and Ship Science students: How to formulate and solve problems involving geometric nonlinearities.
- Numerical difficulties, such as shear locking, inherent in some elements and how to overcome them.
- For Civil Engineering students: How to formulate and solve problems of groundwater seepage using finite elements; How to formulate and solve geotechnical problems involving fully drained/undrained conditions, as well as transient, coupled pore pressure-deformation (consolidation) problems using FEA
- The fundamental concepts of geometric nonlinearity.
- The fundamental concepts of the theory of plasticity.
- How different plasticity models can be used to approximate the behaviour of different materials.
- How particular continuum and structural (beam, plate and shell) elements can be formulated, integrated and used to solve elastic problems.
- The fundamental concepts of using FEA to model buckling of structures.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Synthesise information and ideas for use in the evaluation process.
- Develop and build appropriate finite element models to solve complex engineering problems.
- Critique numerical results and their validity.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use a commercial FEA software to solve practical engineering problems.
- Make informed decisions on the use and calibration of elastoplastic constitutive models.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to the module
2. Analysis of plates and shells.
3. Analysis of buckling.
4. Geometric non-linearity.
5. Material non-linearity – the theory of plasticity in a FEA context.
For Civil Engineering students:
1. Formulating and solving seepage problems using FEA.
2. Formulating and solving transient, pore pressure-deformation (consolidation) problems using FEA.
For Aeronautics & Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering and Ship Science students:
1. Formulating and solving geometrically-nonlinear problems using FEA.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
-Lectures.
-Practical FEA labs/supervisions with ANSYS/ABAQUS.
Learning activities include
-Directed reading.
-FEA assignments.
-Example exercises.
-Independent learning of FEA software use.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 9 |
| Completion of assessment task | 30 |
| Revision | 15 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Wider reading or practice | 15 |
| Follow-up work | 35 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 40% |
| Continuous Assessment | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External