Aims: To understand the mathematical basis of the finite element analysis (FEA). To develop the critical use of commercial finite element software. To develop finite element methods for the study of stress analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to: Describe the mathematical formulation of the finite element method when applied to linear elastic problems. Use a commercially available finite-element package to analyse linear stress-strain problems in solid bodies. Critically assess the approximate solutions so produced.
Skills:
Intellectual skills include the development of the ability to construct finite element models of engineering components, to input physical constants and to predict response of the component to an external input such as stress or increase in temperature. (taught and facilitated). Professional skills include the ability to operate a finite element package in an engineering environment (taught and facilitated). Practical skills include the development of the students' competence in the operation of an FEA package (assessed). Key skills include self-learning and software-based learning (facilitated).
Content:
Review of numerical analysis methods in engineering. Stress analysis fundamentals of stress strain relations, compatibility. Matrix stiffness method. Manual application to simple structural problems. Elements types, nodes and meshing. Use of ANSYS to solve linear stress analysis problems. Pre and post processing. Comparisons with exact solutions.
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