Advanced Finite Element Analysis

Module overview

Modern engineering demands the ability to predict the behaviour of complex materials and structures efficiently and accurately. Learn advanced numerical techniques used to analyse the specialist engineering problems encountered in research and industry. In this module, you will explore advanced solid and structural mechanics concepts, techniques for capturing nonlinear behaviour and advanced constitutive models for different materials. You will then undertake increasingly sophisticated finite element analyses using commercial engineering software, investigating complex structural behaviour, developing more advanced simulation strategies and strengthen your ability to interpret and validate numerical results. Particular emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate modelling approaches, understanding the assumptions behind advanced analyses and developing the professional judgement needed to produce reliable engineering predictions. By the end of the module, you will be able to undertake advanced finite element analyses of complex engineering systems with confidence, preparing you for professional roles involving simulation-led design, structural analysis and engineering research in a wide range of fields.

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: FEEG3001 or SESM6047 or SESA3042 or SESA2029 or CENV3067

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

For Civil Engineering students: How to formulate and solve problems of groundwater seepage using finite elements; How to formulate and solve geotechnical problems involving fully drained/undrained conditions, as well as transient, coupled pore pressure-deformation (consolidation) problems using FEA
Aeronautics & Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering and Ship Science students: How to formulate and solve problems involving geometric nonlinearities.
The fundamental concepts of geometric nonlinearity.
The fundamental concepts of using FEA to model buckling of structures.
The fundamental concepts of the theory of plasticity.
Numerical difficulties, such as shear locking, inherent in some elements and how to overcome them.
How particular continuum and structural (beam, plate and shell) elements can be formulated, integrated and used to solve elastic problems.
How different plasticity models can be used to approximate the behaviour of different materials.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Synthesise information and ideas for use in the evaluation process.
Critique numerical results and their validity.
Develop and build appropriate finite element models to solve complex engineering problems.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Use a commercial FEA software to solve practical engineering problems.
Make informed decisions on the use and calibration of elastoplastic constitutive models.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include -Lectures. -Practical FEA labs/supervisions with ANSYS/ABAQUS. Learning activities include -Directed reading. -FEA assignments. -Example exercises. -Independent learning of FEA software use.

Study time
Type	Hours
Wider reading or practice	20
Practical classes and workshops	9
Preparation for scheduled sessions	10
Completion of assessment task	40
Lecture	36
Follow-up work	35
Total study time	150

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	40%
Continuous Assessment	60%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External