Courses:

The objective is to teach in a unified manner the fundamentals of finite element analysis of solids, structures, and fluids. This includes the theoretical foundations and appropriate use of finite element methods.

• The formulation of finite element methods for linear static analysis of solids and structures:
  • Two- and three-dimensional solids
  • Beam, plate, and shell structures 
     
• The displacement-based finite element procedures, when they are effective, and mixed finite element methods for almost incompressible media and beams, plates, and shells.
  
• The formulation of finite element methods for nonlinear static analysis:
  • Geometric nonlinearities (large displacements and large strains)
  • Material nonlinearities (nonlinear elasticity and elasto-plasticity)
     
• The formulation of finite element methods for the analysis of heat transfer in solids: conduction, convection, and radiation conditions.
  
• The formulation of finite element methods for fluid flows:
  • Incompressible flows
  • Navier-Stokes equations including heat transfer
    
    
• The appropriate use of finite element procedures:
  • Setting up an appropriate model
  • Interpreting the results, and assessing the solution error

The methods studied in this course are practical procedures that are employed extensively in the mechanical, civil, ocean and aeronautical industries. Increasingly, the methods are used in computer-aided design.

Prerequisites Undergraduate Statics and Mathematics Textbook Bathe, K. J. Finite Element Procedures. Prentice Hall, 1996. You will find references to special topics in the textbook. Grades The student's course grade will be based on: o Weekly homeworks o Term project o Two 1½ hour exams

The reading assignments will be given in the lectures and will refer to the textbook Finite Element Procedures. We will discuss specific material in chapters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and section 8.4. 

You will not be required to develop a computer program. However, some homeworks will require that you use the graphical user interface of a finite element program system (ADINA). For this purpose you will obtain a 900-nodes PC version of ADINA which you can freely install. The manuals for the program are also on the CD.

Every student is required to complete a term project. The objective of this task is that each student obtains hands-on experience in solving analysis problems using a typical finite element code. The term project should address a problem solution in solids and structures, fluid flows, or fluid-structure interactions using ADINA.

Some suggested projects:

1. Large deformation analysis of a rubber sheet with holes.
2. Large deformation analysis of a thick-walled rubber cylinder subjected to internal pressure.
3. Large displacement collapse analysis of an elastic thin structure (beam, plate, shell structure).
4. Elasto-plastic collapse analysis of a structure, for example a truss bridge.
5. Thermal stress analysis of a structure.
6. Analysis of fluid flow in a chamber or around an obstruction.
7. Analysis of a forced or natural convection fluid flow problem.
8. Analysis of a problem related to your research.
9. Develop a nonlinear finite element program based on STAP (see textbook).

Note: Please choose a (tractable) problem that you can analyze in depth in the very limited time available.

The project work typically involves the following steps:

• Choose a problem and consider a simple mathematical model of the problem (geometry, material data, boundary conditions) such that in the first instance you can compare your analysis results with some analytical results.
• Solve this “simple” problem using ADINA. Obtain an accurate solution.
• Now increase the complexity of the problem (for example, assume that the material response is nonlinear) and re-solve the problem. Obtain an accurate solution using different finite elements, different meshes etc. Ask “what if” questions and experiment with the finite element method.
• In each case, interpret the calculated response.

Please hand-in a short description (a few sentences) of the project you would like to select. This description must be approved for you to proceed.