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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop and build appropriate finite element models to solve complex engineering problems.
- Synthesise information and ideas for use in the evaluation process.
- Critique numerical results and their validity.
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 |
---|---|
Lecture | 36 |
Practical classes and workshops | 9 |
Completion of assessment task | 30 |
Revision | 15 |
Wider reading or practice | 15 |
Follow-up work | 35 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
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