Finite Element Analysis, Certificate

This module is drawn from our suite of Civil Engineering masters programmes. You will evaluate the Finite Element Method (FEM) for its application to obtain an approximate solution for the analysis of complex structural problems.

The aim of the module is to provide you with the intellectual tools necessary to use proprietary FEM software to produce computer models of various complex structural problems in order to obtain approximate (numerical) solutions. You will learn how to use the advanced post-processing capability of the software to produce reports. For this module you will be required to produce solutions for two small projects and these solutions will be assessed for your ability to apply, refine and develop computer models to solve structural problems and to generate reports supported with the appropriate graphs and data.

Any questions?
Email
Telephone: + 44 (0)115 848 2813

Course content:

• introduction to FEM, weighted residual methods and the Galerkin finite element method
• derivation of governing differential equations for one- and two-dimensional problems
• numerical solution of governing differential equations
• modal analysis of structures – extraction of natural frequencies
• linear transient dynamic analyses
• non-linear analysis, modelling material nonlinearity and buckling and stability of structures.

You will also learn about the use of techniques involved in proprietary finite element software (ANSYS):

• 2D and 3D solid modelling
• exploring symmetry
• generating FE mesh
• bricks and tetrahedral
• linear and quadratic elements
• boundary conditions
• solving systems in time domain
• mixed models and constrain equations
• nonlinear analysis.