MECH ENG 7059 - Finite Element Analysis of Structures

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

The course will equip students with the necessary knowledge to use finite element analysis to solve problems related to solid mechanics, dynamics, heat-transfer and acoustics. FEA is a design/research tool that is extensively used in industry and research institutions. Students will also gain hands-on experience in using finite element analysis software ANSYS to solve realistic engineering problems.

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Course Details

Course Code	MECH ENG 7059
Course	Finite Element Analysis of Structures
Coordinating Unit	School of Mechanical Engineering
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hours per week
Assumed Knowledge	C&ENVENG 1010, MECH ENG 1007, MECH ENG 2002, MECH ENG 2021 & MATHS 2202
Assessment	Assignments, Quizzes, Project, Final exam

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr John Codrington

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students should:

1	Have a good understanding of the principles of current finite element modelling techniques applied to solid mechanics, dynamics heat transfer, and acoustics;
2	Be equipped with basic understanding of the mathematical representation of the various processes involving stresses in structures, vibration of structures, transfer and conservation of heat;
3	Have a deep understanding of limitations and applications of current techniques and codes to solve complex engineering problems;
4	Have developed analytical cognitive skills and improve problem solving skills in these areas;
5	Undertake a self directed project to use FEA as a tool to solve an engineering problem;
6	To be able to write a professional engineering report;
7	To be able to critically assess a finite element analysis for correctness;
8	Understand the need to undertake lifelong learning.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1-7
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	1-7
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	1-7
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	1-7
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1-7
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	8
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	1-7

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Access to the Computer Aided Teaching Suites, Printed Tutorial Notes from the Image & Copy Centre, and Access to MyUni.

Recommended Resources

Printed Course Notes from the Image & Copy Centre and library textbooks on Finite Element Analysis (recommended books will be discussed in class).

Online Learning

Course material and additional study resources are provided via MyUni. The online tutorial quizzes that are part of the assessment will be available through MyUni.

Learning & Teaching Modes

Teaching and learning modes for this course are through contact lectures, computer laboratories in the Computer Aided Teaching Suites (CATS), self-study, and a project using finite element analysis software. The lectures provide the background theory for the subject, and the computer laboratories provide learners with the practical experience in using Finite Element Analysis software to solve engineering problems. The FEA Project is an integral part of the course learning and outcomes, and is used to develop the graduate attributes of the learners. The FEA project enables Learners to demonstrate their knowledge gained from the course by independently solving a complex engineering problem. Online quizzes are a formative part of the learning experience and provide learners with the ability to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Lecture Contact Hours:	24 hours
Tutorial Contact Hours:	24 hours
FEA Project:	> 50 hours
Exam Preparation:	34 hours
Assignments:	12 hours
Lecture preparation:	12 hours
Total:	156 hours

Learning Activities Summary

Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis

Why FEA?
The finite element procedure
Conceptualisation of real problems
Pre-processing and Considerations of finite element modelling
Solving
Post-processing and Interpreting results
Verification and validation

Theory of the Finite Element Method

The finite element method
Nodes and elements
Direct element formulation
Weighted residuals formulation
Minimum potential energy formulation
Shape functions
Background on numerical methods

Meshing

Mesh density and refinement
Mesh structure
Mesh quality
Mesh independence
How to create a good mesh
Meshing and modelling real structures

Heat transfer analysis

Review of heat transfer theory
Finite element method for heat transfer
Non-linear & transient analyses
Coupled field analysis

Non-linear analysis

Types of non-linearity
Non-linear solution methods
Geometric non-linearity
Material non-linearity
Contact

Dynamic analysis

Equation of motion
Modal analysis
Harmonic analysis
Response spectrum analysis
Transient (implicit) analysis
Damping

Buckling

Stability
Buckling theory
Linear (eigenvalue) buckling
Non-linear buckling analysis

Explicit dynamics

Time integration schemes
Governing equations
Solution procedure
Modelling considerations

Acoustics

Fluid-structure interaction
Theory of acoustics
Element formulation
Modelling considerations

Additional topics (time permitting)

Rigid body dynamics
Sub-modelling and Sub-structuring
Fracture and Fatigue

Specific Course Requirements

Access to CATS will be required to complete the tutorial sessions and the FEA Project.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

The following is an outline of the assessment for this course. Please note that while every effort has been made to ensure that this information reflects an accurate plan, the coordinator reserves the right to make changes that ensure the continual improvement of the course. Any such changes will be made clear during the lectures and via MyUni.

Component	Weighting	Learning Outcome
Online quizzes and Written Assignments	20%	1-4
FEA Project	20% (compulsory)	1-8
Final Exam	60% (compulsory)	1.4.7

Assessment Related Requirements

Completion of the FEA Project with a grading of Pass or higher is required.

Assessment Detail

The online quizzes comprise multiple choice answers, and some short descriptive answers. The online quizzes are to be submitted before the commencement of the following lecture, where the answers will be provided. Late submission of the online quizzes will not be accepted as the answers will be discussed at the following lecture.

The written assignments are provided as part of the learning experience. Students are expected to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter through completing the assignments. The assignments are marked and the results included in the final assessment to ensure that students actually do the assignments and take them seriously. Solutions to the assignments are discussed in class.

The FEA project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the course material. The project is marked and included in the final assessment so that students take it seriously.

Assignments and the project are also used to help assess whether the required graduate attributes are being developed.

The examination is a summative assessment and is intended to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the course material and how it fits into the global engineering context. The final examination is open-book.

The Late Penalty for assignments and the FEA Project is 10% per each end of day. Hence weekends lose 3 days = 30%.

Submission

The online quizzes will be submitted through MyUni (MapleTA).

Written assignments are to be submitted to the appropriate submissions box located on level 2 of Engineering South Building with a standard plagiarism coversheet completed and attached to the assignment.

Late submission of the online quizzes will not be accepted as the answers will be discussed at the following lecture the next day.

The Late Penalty for assignments and the FEA Project is 10% per each end of day. Hence weekends lose 3 days = 30%.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
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Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator