Each week consists of lectures and tutorial classes. The tutorials are held in the Computer Aided Teaching Suites. Further details will be provided in the lectures.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

 

1	Explain the principles of current finite element modelling techniques applied to solid mechanics, dynamics heat transfer, and acoustics.
2	Demonstrate a basic understanding of the mathematical representation of the various processes involving stresses in structures, vibration of structures, transfer and conservation of heat.
3	Discuss the limitations and applications of current techniques and codes to solve complex engineering problems.
4	Apply solving skills in the areas of solid mechanics, dynamics heat transfer, and acoustics using FEA.
5	Use FEA as a tool to solve an engineering problem.
6	Write a professional engineering report and present their problem solving outcomes using FEA.
7	Critically assess a finite element analysis for correctness.
8	Recognise the need to undertake lifelong learning in technical and professional engineering.

 
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1   1.2   1.3   1.4   1.5   2.1   2.2   2.3   2.4   3.1   3.2   3.3   3.4   3.5   3.6   

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Assessment Task	Weighting (%)	Individual/ Group	Formative/ Summative	Due (week)*	Hurdle criteria	Learning outcomes
Assignments	30	Individual	Formative	Weeks 1-12		1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8.
Quizzes	10	Individual	Formative	Weeks 1-12		1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8.
FEA Project	30	Group	Formative	Weeks 1-12		1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Final Exam	30	Individual	Summative	Week 13		1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8.
Total	100

* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
 
This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.


Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.

I will be adjusting the weighting of assessment towards more continuous assessment and more reflective of 2019 assessment weighting as follows:

Assignments 30%
Quizzes 10%
FEA Project 30%
Final Exam 30%.

Moving to this weighting will reduce risk from uncertainty. Statistically, the grades should be higher. I know some of you like exams and apologise forthe inconvenience, but these are unprecedented times. Since the University of Adelaide will no longer be conducting invigilated examinations this semester and alternative assessment will be arranged.

At this stage the intention is to use Canvas to deliver an online version of the alternative assessment. At this stage the assessment will be delivered via Mobius. It is likely to be a combination of multiple choice, numerical answer and short answer. It will have a balance of conceptual questions and numerical questions. It will likely have randomised numerical questions. It likely will be time restricted to 2 hrs and must be sat within a slightly longer window, say 3 hrs.

Please note that the above structure is only nominal and we need to work through many things before locking this down.

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

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%.

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%.