Module Details

Module Code: MECH9001
Title: Computational Solid Modelling
Long Title: Computational Solid Modelling
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2009/10 ( September 2009 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The aim of the module is to develop analysts for the engineering industry. This module will outline the theory and application of numerical methods and in particular Finite Element Methods to problems in Engineering. Commercially available Finite Element analysis software will be applied to analyse linear, non linear, static or dynamic, coupled structural, thermal and or thermo-mechanical design problems
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the finite element method and its theoretical basis
LO2 Formulate solutions in 1D to classical engineering problems.
LO3 Utilising commercially available software develop a finite element model of a complex coupled or non linear Engineering analysis problem including formulation or implementation of boundary or initial conditions.
LO4 Optimise the analysis of the chosen problem and formulate a judgement on the validity of the solution in terms of the approximations applied
LO5 Demonstrate proficiency in the use of commercially available Finite Element Analysis software and in particular efficient solution design.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Computational Modelling
General overview of numerical techniques Finite Differnce, Finite Element, Boundary Element Method, Finite Volume
Theortical basis for Finite Element Analysis
Mathematical classification of linear partial differential equations (PDE) of 2nd order. Approximation of the PDE solutions.
Solid Modelling
Classification of solid mechanics problems. Linear elastic analysis. Choice of approximation 1D, 2D, (plane stress strain axisymmetric) 3D. 2D/3D dimensional solids. Meshing. Convengence.
Beams and Frames
1D element formulations. Introduction to shape functions
Commercial F.E Software
Solid model vs. Finite Element model. Process flow for typical F.E. analysis. Analysis type, element type, material models, geometry creation, application of loads and boundary conditions. Parametric analysis. Solution. Multiple loadsteps. Post processing of results.
Analysis of thinwalled structures
Plate and shell elements. Composite shells
Heat transfer and thermal stress
Governing equations. Temperature dependent properties. Coupled problems. Steady state and transient analysis. Case studies.
Advanced topics
Material non linearities. Modal analysis. Contact analysis. Vibrations
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
1-D hand formulation
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
2D / 3D convergence test
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Mini project analysis
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory class Every Week 1.00 1
Lecture Contact Application Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact student applciation Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • O C. Zienkiewicz, R. L. Taylor, J. Z. Zhu. (2005), The finite element method Its Basis and Fundamentals,, 6th Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, [ISBN: 978-0-7506-6320-5].
  • O C. Zienkiewicz, R. L. Taylor, J. Z. Zhu. (2005), The finite element method for solid and structural mechanics, 6th Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, [ISBN: 0-7506-6321-9].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMECE_9 Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 7 Mandatory
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 9 Mandatory