Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MEC4009

 
TITLE Computational Mechanics

 
UM LEVEL 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Mechanical Engineering

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit, building upon MEC3201, covers the analysis and solution, using finite element analysis software, of engineering problems that fall within the following categories:
- Non-Linear Analysis: the focus will be on material and geometrical induced non-linearities; characteristics of engineering problems for which a linear analysis is not suitable, theoretical considerations and practical analysis techniques for the successful solution of these problems.
- Thermo-Mechanical Analysis: thermal analysis using finite element software; using results from a thermal field solution to compute the induced structural stresses and strains (uncoupled and coupled approaches). Basic theoretical considerations followed by real-life applications using finite element software.
- Contact Analysis: an overview of theoretical considerations, with emphasis on the computational implications for including contact features in a finite element analysis.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to:
- Make students aware of the more advanced analysis categories in finite element analysis;
- Give students the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to tackle these problems with good, sound engineering practices;
- Provide the necessary basis for students wishing to pursue further studies and/or research in Mechanical Engineering fields involving advanced Finite Element Analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Explain the underlying principles of advanced finite element method techniques for mechanical engineering analysis;
- List advantages and disadvantages/limitations when using the advanced (non-linear/thermo-mechanical/contact) finite element analysis techniques for mechanical engineering problems;
- Assess and determine which mechanical engineering applications require the use of the advanced finite element analysis techniques.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Carry out non-linear/thermo-mechanical/contact analyses of mechanical engineering problems/components using finite element analysis software;
- Review, understand and draw conclusions from the analysis' results.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Non-linear finite element analysis of solids and structure, Crisfield.
- Finite element analysis, theory and practice – M.J. Fagan, Prentice Hall (February 23, 1996).
- Basic principles of the finite element method – K.M. Entwistle, Maney Materials Science (December 21, 2001).

Supplementary Readings:

- Finite element analysis, theory and application with Ansys – S.Moaveni, Prentice Hall; 3 edition (April 6, 2007).
- The finite element method, volumes 1,2,3 – O.C. Zienkiewics, R.L. Taylor, Butterworth-Heinemann; 6 edition (September 19, 2005).

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-requisite Study-unit: MEC3201

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Laboratory Session and Independent Study

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 50%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 50%

 
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 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit