MECH ENG 7059 - Finite Element Analysis of Structures
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code MECH ENG 7059 Course Finite Element Analysis of Structures Coordinating Unit Mechanical Engineering Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assumed Knowledge MATHS 1011, MATHS 1012, CEME 1004 or CIVILENG 1004 or C&ENVENG 1010, MECH ENG 1007, MECH ENG 2002, MATHS 2106, MATHS 2107, MECH ENG 3102, MECH ENG 3026, MECH ENG 3028 (or MECH ENG 3111) (or equivalent courses) Assessment Assignments, Quizzes, Project, Final exam Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Professor Ben Cazzolato
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
Each week consists of lectures and tutorial classes. The tutorials are held in the Computer Aided Teaching Suites. Further details will be provided in the lectures. -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1 Explain the principles of current finite element modelling techniques applied to solid mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, and acoustics. 2 Explain the mathematical representation of the various processes involving stresses in structures, vibration of structures, transfer and conservation of heat. 3 Define and describe of limitations and applications of current techniques and codes to solve complex engineering problems. 4 Use analytical cognitive skills and improve problem solving skills in the areas of solid mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, and acoustics using FEA. 5 Design a self directed project to use FEA as a tool to solve an engineering problem. 6 Write a professional engineering report and present their problem solving outcomes using FEA. 7 Critically assess a finite element analysis for correctness. 8 Recognise the need to undertake lifelong learning in technical and professional engineering.
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia . The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 C C C C C A C C C C C B C C C B University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1-8 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1-8 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
5-6 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
4-5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
5 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
5-6,8 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Access to the Computer Aided Teaching Suites, and Access to MyUni.
Recommended Resources
Course Notes and Course Slides available on MyUni, and library textbooks on Finite Element Analysis (recommended books will be discussed in class).
Online Learning
Course material and additional study resources are provided via MyUni. The online tutorial quizzes that are part of the assessment will be available through MyUni.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Teaching and learning modes for this course are through contact lectures, computer laboratories in the Computer Aided Teaching Suites (CATS), self-study, and a project using finite element analysis software. The lectures provide the background theory for the subject, and the computer laboratories provide learners with the practical experience in using Finite Element Analysis software to solve engineering problems. The FEA Project is an integral part of the course learning and outcomes, and is used to develop the graduate attributes of the learners. The FEA project enables Learners to demonstrate their knowledge gained from the course by independently solving a complex engineering problem. Online quizzes are a formative part of the learning experience and provide learners with the ability to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Lecture Contact Hours: 24 hours Tutorial Contact Hours: 24 hours FEA Project: > 50 hours Summative Assessment Preparation: 34 hours Assignments: 12 hours Lecture preparation: 12 hours Total: 156 hours Learning Activities Summary
Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis
- Why FEA?
- The finite element procedure
- Conceptualisation of real problems
- Pre-processing and Considerations of finite element modelling
- Solving
- Post-processing and Interpreting results
- Verification and validation
Theory of the Finite Element Method
- The finite element method
- Nodes and elements
- Direct element formulation
- Weighted residuals formulation
- Minimum potential energy formulation
- Shape functions
- Background on numerical methods
Meshing
- Mesh density and refinement
- Mesh structure
- Mesh quality
- Mesh independence
- How to create a good mesh
- Meshing and modelling real structures
Heat transfer analysis
- Review of heat transfer theory
- Finite element method for heat transfer
- Non-linear & transient analyses
- Coupled field analysis
Non-linear analysis
- Types of non-linearity
- Non-linear solution methods
- Geometric non-linearity
- Material non-linearity
- Contact
Dynamic analysis
- Equation of motion
- Modal analysis
- Harmonic analysis
- Response spectrum analysis
- Transient (implicit) analysis
- Damping
Buckling
- Stability
- Buckling theory
- Linear (eigenvalue) buckling
- Non-linear buckling analysis
Explicit dynamics
- Time integration schemes
- Governing equations
- Solution procedure
- Modelling considerations
Acoustics
- Fluid-structure interaction
- Theory of acoustics
- Element formulation
- Modelling considerations
Additional topics (time permitting)
- Rigid body dynamics
- Sub-modelling and Sub-structuring
- Fracture and Fatigue
Specific Course Requirements
Access to CATS and CARM Lab will be required to complete the tutorial sessions and the FEA Project.
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative Due (week)* Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes Weekly online quizzes x10 10% Individual Formative Weeks 1-11 1. 2. 4. Assignment x2 20% Individual Summative Weeks 5 and 10 1. 2. 3. 4. FEA Project 25% Individual or Group Summative Weeks 3,7,12 40% 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Test(s)/ Exam 45% Individual Summative Weeks 6 and 13/14 1. 2. 3. 4. 7. Total 100%
This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.Assessment Related Requirements
Completion of the FEA Project with a grading of Pass or higher is required.
Assessment Detail
The online quizzes comprise multiple choice answers, and some short descriptive answers. The online quizzes are to be submitted before the commencement of the following lecture, where the answers will be provided. Late submission of the online quizzes will not be accepted as the answers will be discussed at the following lecture.
The written assignments are provided as part of the learning experience. Students are expected to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter through completing the assignments. The assignments are marked and the results included in the final assessment to ensure that students actually do the assignments and take them seriously. Solutions to the assignments are discussed in class.
The FEA project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the course material. The project is marked and included in the final assessment so that students take it seriously.
Assignments and the project are also used to help assess whether the required graduate attributes are being developed.
The summative assessments such as the exam/test(s) are intended to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the course material and how it fits into the broader engineering context.
All assessment is open-book.Submission
All assessment will be submitted via MyUni. The online quizzes and tests will use Mobius. Assignments, tests and the FEA Project reports will be passed through Turnitin to check for plagiarism.
Late submission of the online quizzes will not be accepted as the answers will be discussed at the following lecture the next day. The Late Penalty for assignments and the FEA Project is 10% per each end of day. Hence weekends lose 3 days = 30%.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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