Course syllabus for Finite element method: Structures

Course syllabus adopted 2023-02-12 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameFinita elementmetoden: strukturer
  • CodeTME245
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPAME
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyMechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentINDUSTRIAL AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 03127
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0111 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

A basic course on the finite element method e.g. MHA021 or VSM167

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide a deeper knowledge and increased understanding of how to apply the finite element method (FEM) to more advanced problems in solid and structural mechanics. In particular, problems involving nonlinearities, structural components (such as beams and plates) and stability analysis are considered.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • apply the finite element method to solve problems for structural components, such as plates, 
  • apply the finite element method to non-linear problems, e.g. for non-linearities with respect to non-linear constitutive relations (e.g. material behavior) or geometrical non-linearities,
  • evaluate and choose suitable iterative method for solving a non-linear problem, 
  • apply the finite element method to linearized pre-buckling theory to solve structural problems,
  • explain the fundamental aspects of general stability problems for a fully nonlinear problem,
  • explain the inputs, connections and steps in a FEM program required for solving nonlinear problems and linearized pre-buckling stability analysis,
  • implement a simple finite element code for non-linear problems and linearized pre-buckling analysis in MATLAB or Python, using the finite element toolbox CALFEM,
  • critically review the capabilities of commercial finite element codes,
  • compute solutions to basic solid mechanics problems using commercial FE-software, e.g. Abaqus and/or Comsol Multiphysics.

Content

Linear analysis of structures and solids: structural elements (such as plates) in bending. Structural (in)stability: Linearized Pre-Buckling, buckling of frames and plates. Nonlinear analysis: Nonlinear systems of equations, iterative methods. Application to nonlinear problems, considering e.g. material inelasticity and nonlinear geometrical effects.

Organisation

The course is organized into approximately 28 h of lectures, 28 h of computer classes and 4 h of computer lab. The main theory is presented in the lectures. The main part of the computer classes is dedicated to group work with the computer assignments. However, during computer class, small size problems are solved by the instructors, exemplifying the theory. A compulsory computer lab, giving an introduction to the FE-software Abaqus, is included in the course.

Literature

Tentative course literature (the course book will be confirmed closer to the start of the course):

  • N. Ottosen and H. Petersson: Introduction to the finite element method, Prentice Hall, New York 1992 
  • CALFEM manual, A finite element toolbox to MATLAB 
  • Lecture notes and course compendia available for downloading

Examination including compulsory elements

The final grade is determined based on the total credit points obtained both from computer assignments and a written final exam. Credit points from both computer assignments and the final exam are needed for a passing grade, including a minimum of 33% on the final exam. 

In addtion to the above, two mandatory (but smaller) computer exercises need to be orally reported with a pasing grade.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.