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Finite Element Method

Code

ME-FEM1

Version

2.0

Offered by

Mechanical Engineering

ECTS

5

Prerequisites

ME-MAT2 and ME-MEC2

Main purpose

​The main purpose of the course is to enable the student to solve linear static problems using the finite element (FE) method and be able to recognize possibilities and limitations in using a commercial FE software

Knowledge

​The student will gain knowledge about the FE method and its applications.
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
• Describe bar and beam elements
• Outline the characteristics of the membrane elements
• Define plates, shells and 3D elements
• Describe the steps to evaluate stresses in FE
• Explain the formulation of the stiffness matrix using different approaches
• Identify different boundary conditions
• Outline how to conduct a mesh convergence study and how to deal with singularities
• Define parametric optimization

 

Skills

​The student will be able to:
• Solve linear static problems using different element formulations
• Convert and idealize different types of geometries to accommodate the FE method
• Perform FE simulations using Ansys Workbench
• Optimize simple designs using Ansys Workbench
• Validate the results obtained from Ansys Workbench

Competences

​Upon taking the course, the student will be able to judge about the possibilities in using commercial FE software in linear static problems. The student will be able to apply, compare and validate the performance of different types of elements in FEA.

Topics

Teaching methods and study activities

​4 lessons per week for 12 weeks. The workload for student is expected to be 138 hours.
The teacher will go over the course topics in the classroom, combining theory with exercises.
The student is expected to read the detailed literature and to solve homework between lessons.

Resources

R. D. Cook et al., Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, 4th edition, Wiley (2001)

Optional:
D. L. Logan, A First Course in the Finite Element Method, (enhanced) 6th edition (SI Units), Cengage (2022)
X. Chen and Y. Liu, Finite Element Modelling and Simulation with ANSYS Workbench, 2nd edition, Taylor & Francis Ltd (2018)

Lecture notes/slides

Evaluation

Examination

Prerequisites for exam:
A course assignment handed in before deadline, presented in class and approved. The course assignment will be solved in Ansys Workbench.
The course assignment is done in groups. Each group member is responsible for all statements and assumptions given in the handed-in assignment.
If the prerequisite is not fully met, the student has used one exam attempt and a new deadline is set for qualification to the reexam.

Exam type:
Individual oral examination about the theory of FEM based upon a subject found by draw.
Duration: 20 minutes.
No preparation time before the exam.
The questions for examination will be shared with the students at the end of teaching.
Examination accounts for 100% of the final grade.
Censor: External.

Tools allowed:
The lecturer will provide 1 sheet of paper with a few FEM related notes that the students may use along the examination (such material will be shared with the students in advance along with the exam questions).


Re-exam:
Same as ordinary.

Grading criteria

​Grading based on the Danish 7-point scale.

Additional information

Responsible

Uffe Vestergaard Poulsesn

Valid from

2/1/2023 12:00:00 AM

Course type

Compulsory Course for Mechanical Engineering
4. semester

Keywords

Bar elements, beam elements, membrane elements, plates and shells, stiffness matrix, stress analysis, symmetry considerations, mesh convergence