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: CENV2026 or FEEG3001
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- How different plasticity models can be used to approximate the behaviour of different materials.
- Aeronautics & Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering and Ship Science students: How to formulate and solve problems involving geometric nonlinearities.
- The fundamental concepts of the theory of plasticity.
- The fundamental concepts of geometric nonlinearity.
- How particular continuum and structural (beam, plate and shell) elements can be formulated, integrated and used to solve elastic problems.
- Numerical difficulties, such as shear locking, inherent in some elements and how to overcome them.
- The fundamental concepts of using FEA to model buckling of structures.
- 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
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Make informed decisions on the use and calibration of elastoplastic constitutive models.
- Use a commercial FEA software to solve practical engineering problems.
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.
- Critique numerical results and their validity.
- Develop and build appropriate finite element models to solve complex engineering problems.
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 |
---|---|
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Practical classes and workshops | 9 |
Follow-up work | 35 |
Completion of assessment task | 30 |
Revision | 15 |
Lecture | 36 |
Wider reading or practice | 15 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Continuous Assessment | 60% |
Final Assessment | 40% |
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