Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To gain 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; types of elements, their associated degrees of freedom and the process of discretisation; element formulation for a ring and area element; shape functions; Gaussian integration: assembly of global stiffness matrix and connectivity; element compatibility; nodal and frontal equation solvers; modelling techniques; non-standard boundary conditions; multipoint constraints; substructuring; solution of engineering problems in stress analysis, flow through porous media and fracture mechanics; introduction to general-purpose commercial finite element programs; introduction to non-linear problems; problems relevant to geotechnical engineering will be used for illustration purposes in the course.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 60% + Assignments: 40%