Introduction to finite element method

ID: 7044
Course type: vocational and applied
Course coordinator: Buljak V. Vladimir
Lecturers: Balać M. Igor, Buljak V. Vladimir
Contact: Buljak V. Vladimir
Level of studies: B.Sc. (undergraduate) Academic Studies – Information Technologies in Mechanical Engineering
ECTS: 5
Final exam type: written+oral
Department: Department of Strength of Structures

Lectures

Goal

The course aims at introducing the students to the basics of the finite element method. At the beginning of the course the students will be introduced to formulation of mathematical models for the use within numerical simulations of diverse physical scenarios. Basic steps of formulating a weak form of the solution will be presented within the context of finite element method. Building of the stiffness matrix will be discussed with reference to simpler elements, i.e. trusses and beams. Within the course the students will be also introduced to some of most commonly used software for finite element analysis.

Outcome

Upon completing the course the students will be able to: perform basic FEM analysis within commercial software; write their own code for FEM analysis by using truss elements; understand the basic principles and steps required to build a numerical model for the analysis; discuss results of stress and deformation analysis within static analysis.

Theoretical teaching

Within theoretical lectures the building of numerical models will be shown with reference to diverse physical problems. Particular attention will be payed to the building of numerical models within finite element method, and the formulation of weak form of the solution. Building of stiffness matrix of a single element will be exemplified on a truss element, which will be further used to demonstrate how the global stiffness matrix should be assembled.

Practical teaching

Within practical lectures the students will write their own codes for building the stiffness matrix both for a single element and for the assembling of the global stiffness matrix. The students will work in performing FEM analysis within a commercial software.

Attendance requirement

Passed exams: Basics of mechanic of materials, Discrete mathematics, Numerical аnalysis.

Resources

Thomas Hugher, "The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite" J. N. Reddy, "Introduction to the Finite Element Method" Olek C Zienkiewicz e Robert L Taylor, "The Finite Element Method for Solid and Structural Mechanics"

Assigned hours

Total assigned hours: 65

Active teaching (theoretical)

New material: 20
Elaboration and examples (recapitulation): 10

Active teaching (practical)

Auditory exercises: 20
Laboratory exercises: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 0
Consultations: 0
Discussion/workshop: 0
Research study work: 0

Knowledge test

Review and grading of calculation tasks: 4
Review and grading of lab reports: 0
Review and grading of seminar papers: 2
Review and grading of the project: 2
Test: 0
Test: 2
Final exam: 5

Knowledge test (100 points total)

Activity during lectures: 0
Test/test: 30
Laboratory practice: 0
Calculation tasks: 5
Seminar paper: 5
Project: 10
Final exam: 50
Requirement for taking the exam (required number of points): 50

Literature

Thomas Hugher, "The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite"; J. N. Reddy, "Introduction to the Finite Element Method"; Olek C Zienkiewicz e Robert L Taylor, "The Finite Element Method for Solid and Structural Mechanics"