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| Module Availability |
| Autumn/Spring Semester |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment
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Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
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Unseen examination
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75
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Coursework:
Four assignments (different each year) using commercial software.
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25
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Qualifying Condition(s)
An overall mark of 40% is required to pass the module.
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| Module Overview |
| A level HE3 finite element course for civil engineers. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| Completion of the progress requirements of Level HE2. |
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| Module Aims |
| To give students sufficient understanding of basic concepts of finite elements such that, given a commercial package, they should be able to understand the documentation and use the program in a safe and practical manner. |
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| Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
· Propose an appropriate numerical model to solve a given engineering problem.
· Analyse structural behaviour for a wide variety of loads and structural forms.
· Inspect the results of a numerical model and identify artefacts and errors.
· Test numerical models against closed form solutions.
· Assess the accuracy and sensitivity of finite element models.
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| Module Content |
Mathematical background
Shape function interpolation. Approximation via energy and virtual work. Co-ordinate transformation and the Jacobian equations. Numerical integration. Matrix notation.
Variational crimes
Incompatible shape functions and reduced integration. Mechanisms and element locking. Element tests.
Plane stress elements
Linear and quadratic elements.
Solid elements
Solid element types.
Bending elements
Beam, plate and shell elements.
Stability, dynamic and non-linear analysis
Material and geometric non-linearity. Bifurcation and limit point buckling: eigenvalue solutions, incremental solutions, Dynamics: eigenvalue solutions, incremental solutions, modal reduction.
Discrete elements and contact problems
Theory and use of discrete elements, contact problems
Practical work
Various exercises and case studies |
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
Autumn semester: 14 hours of lectures, 6 hours of tutorial classes, and 30 hours independent learning.
Spring semester: 14 hours of lectures, 6 hours of tutorial classes, and 30 hours independent learning.
Total student learning time 100 hours. |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Essential reading
None
None
Recommended background reading
NAFEMS, A Finite Element Primer, National Engineering Laboratory, 1986. (ISBN 09036 40171)
Buchanan GR, Finite Element Analysis, McGraw Hill (Schaum's Outline Series), 1995. (ISBN 00700 87148)
Dawe, DJ. Matrix and Finite Element Displacement Analysis of Structures, Clarendon Press,
Oxford
, 1983.
Cook, RD, Finite Element Modelling for Stress Analysis, Wiley,
Chichester
, 1995.
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| Last Updated |
| 15 October 2009 |
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