| CODE | MEC3111 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Finite Element Analysis | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Mechanical Engineering | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The objective of this study-unit is to provide knowledge on the theoretical and practical concepts necessary for the use of the finite element method for analysis in mechanical engineering applications. Theoretical considerations are presented as a necessary basis for understanding the method whilst a commercial finite element software is used to illustrate the procedures and best practices for use in mechanical engineering applications. The study-unit will involve lectures and hands-on sessions to cover: • Introduction: o General concept of FEA: discretization of a problem using formulated elements o Overview of typical applications • General modeling concepts: o Types of element o Symmetry o Two dimensional approximations (plane strain, plane stress and axisymmetry) o Boundary conditions o Meshing: element distortion • Formulation of a one dimensional linear thermal and structural link element. • Formulation of a two dimensional triangular linear structural element. • Formulation of a two dimensional quadrilateral quadratic structural element. • Formulation of a beam element. • Formulation of elements for the solution of field problems (heat transfer and torsion). • Use of a commercial software: o Creation of the geometrical model. o Loads and boundary conditions o Meshing o Reviewing results o All of the above using the software’s graphical user interface or the scripting language Study-unit Aims: The study-unit aims to provide a basic knowledge on both theoretical and practical aspects of the use of the finite element method for analysis in mechanical engineering applications. Focus is made on the underlying principles and their application to the sciences related to mechanical engineering (i.e. stress analysis, heat transfer) both from first principles or by using a commercial software. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Understand the underlying principles of the finite element method for mechanical engineering analysis. - Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this numerical method. - Assess and determine which mechanical engineering applications require the use of finite element analysis software. - Carry out an elastic structural or thermal simulation of a mechanical component. - Review, understand and draw conclusions from the analysis' results. - Understand the theoretical / mathematical concepts forming the basis of finite element analysis. - Understand how mechanical engineering constitutive equations are applied in the finite element method. - Appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of this numerical technique. - Use a commercial software to analyse typical mechanical engineering applications. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Carry out basic manual analyses of mechanical engineering problems using the finite element method. - Carry out analyses of real life mechanical engineering problems using a commercial finite element software. - Use a commercial software to analyse typical mechanical engineering applications. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Finite element analysis, theory and practice – M.J. Fagan. - Basic principles of the finite element method – K.M. Entwistle. - Finite element analysis, theory and application with Ansys – S.Moaveni. - Concepts and applications of finite element analysis – R.D. Cook, D.S. Malkus, M.E. Plesha. - The finite element method, volumes 1,2,3 – O.C. Zienkiewics, R.L. Taylor. |
|||||||||
| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-unit: MEC1401 | |||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Laboratory Session | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
|||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Pierluigi Mollicone |
|||||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
||||||||||