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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: ENG3141 Module Title: FINITE ELEMENTS METHODS
Module Provider: Civil, Chemical & Enviromental Eng Short Name: ENG3141
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: MULLORD P Dr (C, C & E Eng)
Number of credits: 10 Number of ECTS credits: 5
 
Module Availability
Autumn/Spring Semester
Assessment Pattern

Unit(s) of Assessment

 

Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)

 

Unseen examination

 

75

 

Coursework:

 

Four assignments (different each year) using commercial software.

 

25

 

Qualifying Condition(s) 

 

An overall mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

 

Module Overview
A level HE3 finite element course for civil engineers.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Completion of the progress requirements of Level HE2.
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.
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.

 

 

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
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.
Selected Texts/Journals

Essential reading

 

None

 

 

Required reading

 

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.

 

 

Last Updated
15 October 2009