Finite Element Analysis

Module aims

• To present the finite element method for structural analysis, to investigate the accuracy and convergence characteristics of various finite elements.
• To consider modelling strategies for improved accuracy and efficiency.
• To encourage the use of finite element software for advanced structural analysis.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this course unit, students will be able to: 

• Appreciate the use of hierarchic subdivision processes in tackling complex problems.
• Understand the formulation of typical finite elements for structural analysis and the associated sources of approximation.
• Use finite element analysis software.
• Use computers for simulations.
• Apply techniques of linear algebra.

Module syllabus

• Introduction to the finite element method.
• One-dimensional element formulation for beams and frames.
• Two-dimensional plane stress/strain formulations.
• Higher-order formulations for plane stress/strain analysis.
• Error estimation and adaptivity in finite element analysis.
• Plate bending elements.
• Application of finite element analysis program ANSYS to structural engineering problems.   

No.	Topic	Staff
01	Lecture: Introduction to the finite element method	BAI
02	Lecture: One-dimensional element formulation for beams and frames Tutorial	BAI
03	Lecture: Two-dimensional plane stress/strain formulations Computer lab	BAI
04	Lecture: Two-dimensional plane stress/strain formulations Tutorial	BAI
05	Lecture: Higher-order formulations for plane stress/strain analysis	BAI
06	Lecture: Higher-order formulations for plane stress/strain analysis Tutorial	BAI
07	Lecture: Error estimation and adaptivity in finite element analysis Project	BAI
08	Lecture: Plate bending elements Project	BAI
09	Lecture: Plate bending elements Project Computer lab	BAI
10	Lecture/Tutorial/Project Computer lab	BAI

Teaching methods

Handouts are provided for the various topics, and extensive use is made of interactive PowerPoint to elaborate on concepts and application issues. All material, including handouts, PowerPoint lecture notes and solutions to tutorial problems, are placed on Blackboard Learn for student access. Computer laboratory sessions are also provided making use of screen projection to introduce finite element analysis software.

Assessments

Assessment is by written examination and project coursework, with respective marks split of 80:20.

Reading list

Supplementary

• Concepts and applications of finite element analysis /

  4th ed., Wiley

• Finite element procedures in engineering analysis

  Bathe, Klaus-Jurgen

  Prentice Hall

• Finite element method (The) its basis and fundamentals

  Zienkiewicz, O. C.

  7th, Butterworth Heinemann

• Finite element analysis : theory and application with ANSYS /

  Moaveni, Saeed,

  Fourth edition, Global edition., Pearson Education,

Module leaders

Professor Bassam Izzuddin