Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To gain an appreciation and understanding of the theoretical basis and the skills in the application of the finite element method for the solution of engineering problems.
Synopsis FEM as an aid to engineering analysis; its relationship to other methods; element types; their associated degrees of freedom; discretisation; element formulation for ring and area elements; shape functions; Gaussian points, global stiffness matrix assembly; connectivity; element compatibility; nodal and frontal solvers; beam, plate and shell elements, modelling techniques for symmetrical structures; multi-point constraints; non-standard boundary conditions and substructuring; solution of linear and non-linear problems in stress analysis, dynamics and buckling of structures; introduction to general-purpose commercial finite element programs; problems relevant to civil engineering will be used for illustrative purposes.
Assessment Examination (3 hours): 60% + Practical work: 40%