MODULE TITLE: Computational Structural Analysis

STAFF MEMBER RESPONSIBLE: Dr Terry Bennett LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of this module students will be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4.

MODULE CODE: CIV 6130 SEMESTER: Autumn CREDIT: 10

derive the stiffness matrix for 2d and 3d continuum finite elements determine the global stiffness matrix and solve using a direct method introduce the appropriate boundary conditions to solve a range of structural analysis problems perform numerical integration of the element stiffness integral equations express in local coordinates (and transform to global coordinates) 5. appreciate the errors inherent in FEA 6. time domain dynamics 7. introduction to non-linear material modelling

SYLLABUS Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Validation and Verification Review of Matrix Methods and Tensor Notation Establishing the Balance Equations Moving from the Strong Form to the Weak Form Galerkin Weighted Residual Method Isoparametric Finite Elements Numerical Integration Linear and Quadratic 3D Continuum Elements Solving Time domain dynamic Systems Newmark (implicit time integration) Central difference (explicit time integration) Introduction to nonlinear material modelling

LEARNING HOURS Lectures MATLAB Computer Sessions Private Study Assessment Total ASSIGNMENTS 1. ASSESSMENT Learning Outcomes Assessed 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 5, 6 24 hours 6 hours 67 hours 3 hours 100 hours

Item 3 hour Unseen Examination MATLAB Exercise

% Credit 80 20

Submission Date

Friday Week 8

Formative Assessment: Feedback given on performance of students on the tutorial questions Reason for assessment choice: Proper appreciation and effective use of the Finite Element Method in structural mechanics requires engineers to be able to develop (from basic physical principles) the governing equations that define the deformation of geometrically complex bodies under arbitrary load. The 3 hour examination requires students to work through a meaningful structural problem that tests this knowledge. The exam also requires the student to make sensible engineering judgements on the value of the analysis and how it could be improved. Emphasis is given in the examination marking not only on the general methodology, but also on the numerical accuracy. Students are told to pay particular attention to consistent use of units in all their work. Success with distinction in the three hour unseen examination requires a level of algebraic and arithmetic rigour such that very few errors in the logical development of the equations are present and a sound appreciation of the 'meaning' of the results is given. Pass at threshold level requires the students to demonstrate that they can set up the stiffness matrices correctly and can follow the main steps of the Gaussian Elimination process to arrive at the solution to the nodal displacements. The computer-based coursework is designed to allow students to discover for themselves how different mesh arrangements influence the accuracy (and speed) of FE solutions. This gives students an opportunity to practice using a general FE code. To meet a threshold pass, students must have performed at least 5 sample runs correctly and illustrated their results in a clear manner graphically, with a logical conclusion to their investigation. To obtain a pass at distinction level, students are required to demonstrate (in detail) in their report that they have understood why it is that different meshes give different results. This will require a link to be made between the findings and the type of shape functions adopted. At distinction level, students must also give sound reasoning behind their choice of the 'optimal mesh' for the problem. HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS ADDRESSED

None B C C C C
RECOMMENDED READING (A-Core Text, B-Secondary Text, C-Peripheral Reading) Cook, R D, Malkus, D S, Plesha, M E, Witt, R J (2001) Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 9780471356059 Bathe, K J (1995) Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis, Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0133014584 Smith, I M and Griffiths, D V (1998) Programming the Finite Element Method, John Wiley and Sons Ltd. ISBN: 047196543X Hughes, T J R (2000) The Finite Element Method, Dover Publications. ISBN: 0486411818 Zienkiewicz, O C and Taylor, R (2000) The Finite Element Method: Volumes 1 to 3, Butterworth Heinemann. ISBN: 0750651601