FEM Structural Analysis
Holders: Assoc. Prof. Halilovič Miroslav, Assoc. Prof. Mole Nikolaj
Subject description
Prerequisites:
For the on-going work and understanding of the subject basic knowledge of the following courses is needed:
- Mechanics of solids
- Numerical Methods
Coursework, on-going work and passing the course: The course consists of lectures and tutorials. Lectures: a new topic is presented and discussed weekly. Tutorials: on-going work is expected. A short test (approximately 15 minutes) is taken weekly. All the practical/numerical basis that are required for the tests are given in advance in the form of video lectures. Passing the course: the final mark consists of the assessment of the theory and assessment of the practical part (tutorials). The assessment of the theory is performed by written examination. A set of possible questions for the theory is given by the professor at the end of each lecture. The assessment of tutorials is obtained from short tests that are taken weekly on tutorials.
Acquired knowledge:
The course is intended for all students who want to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on using numerical methods in solving mechanical problems, with emphasis on the Finite Element Method (FEM). The mathematical formulations of volume, surface and linear finite elements (FE) are presented. An analysis of the fulfillment of physical boundary conditions is carried out. The isoparametric FEs are specifically addressed. Depending on the geometric, material and load characteristics of the structures, approaches to the numerical modeling of them with volume, surface, and line FEs are presented, as well as the results of computer simulation, taking into account the particularities of individual FEs.
Practical work (tutorials) is performed in the programming language Wolfram Mathematica and ABAQUS computer code. Pre-knowledge of programming or working with Wolfram Mathematica and ABAQUS is not expected.
Content (Syllabus outline):
The aim of the course is to obtain knowledge on using FEM for solving mechanical problems, taking into account the particularities of individual FEs. The course covers the following topics: basics of geometry modeling (solid, surface, line geometric model), physical and mathematical modeling ( heat transfer, mechanical problems) and mastering the basics of numerical modeling of physical problems. We will present the theoretical background of FEM and the particularities of using solid, surface and line FEs. The main topics of the course are a simplification of the geometric model, the selection of the FE type and FE meshing, determination of the physical properties of the material and geometric properties of the FE and determination of initial, boundary and loading conditions. We will also learn how to present and analyze the computed results. All computations will be performed by computer codes Wolfram Mathematica and ABAQUS.
Response of students to the course:
The course has been very well accepted by the students.
Below we present some comments given by students in the students' survey:
- This would be an appropriate course for all designers, because we obtained a good knowledge for mechanical analysis of structures by Finite Element Method using the ABAQUS and Wolfram Mathematica computer codes.
- Very good assistants and professor. I like the video lectures system and on-going tests. It is the advantage of video lectures that you can calmly study the topics by yourself and that you can look at explanations later.
- Excellent consistency of classroom tutorials (practical part) and lectures – the course is practically (real-life) oriented.
- Both the professor and assistants always take additional time for questions or further explanations.
- Very interesting course, understandable lectures. The performance of the course is excellent, it prepares you for the on-going work.
