MECH ENG 4118 - Finite Element Analysis of Structures

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025

The course will equip students with the necessary knowledge to use finite element analysis to solve problems related to solid mechanics, dynamics, heat-transfer and acoustics. FEA is a design/research tool that is extensively used in industry and research institutions. Students will also gain hands-on experience in using finite element analysis software ANSYS to solve realistic engineering problems.

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Course Details

Course Code	MECH ENG 4118
Course	Finite Element Analysis of Structures
Coordinating Unit	Mechanical Engineering
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	((MATHS 1011 and MATHS 1012 and MECH ENG 1007 and MECH ENG 2002) and (CEME 1004 or CIVILENG 1004 or C&ENVENG 1010)) and (MATHS 2201 or MATHS 2106) and (MATHS 2202 or MATHS 2107)
Assumed Knowledge	MECH ENG 3102, MECH ENG 3026 and 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.

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	Demonstrate a basic understanding of the mathematical representation of the various processes involving stresses in structures, vibration of structures, transfer and conservation of heat.
3	Discuss the limitations and applications of current techniques and codes to solve complex engineering problems.
4	Apply solving skills in the areas of solid mechanics, dynamics, heat transfer, and acoustics using FEA.
5	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.	1-4, 7
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.	1-4, 7
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, 8
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.	5-6, 8
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

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Access to the Computer Aided Teaching Suites or ADAPT and Access to MyUni.

Recommended Resources

Course Notes and Lecture 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.

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 viewing:	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/ADAPT or (free) student version of ANSYS will be required to complete the tutorial sessions and the FEA Project.

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

Assessment Task	Weighting (%)	Individual/ Group	Formative/ Summative	Due (week)*	Hurdle criteria	Learning outcomes
Assignments x2	20%	Individual	Summative	Weeks 1-12		1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8.
Quizzes x10	10%	Individual	Formative	Weeks 1-12		1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8.
FEA Project	25%	Group	Summative	Weeks 1-12	40%	1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Test(s)/Exam	45%	Individual	Summative	Week 6 & 13/14		1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8.
Total	100%

* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.

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 .

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.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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