Course Catalogue

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This course comprises lectures on one-, two- and three-dimensional structural systems, including beams, plates and shells, and structural dynamics. Important issues such as boundary conditions will be discussed, but also the differences between various beam/plate/shell theories, such as Euler-Bernoulli vs Timoshenko theories. Aspects of finite element formulation will also be covered. The theory will be illustrated using the software Python. Issues relating to sustainability will be covered via case studies.

Two lectures per week

One computational lab per week (from week 5)

Optional weekly tutorial

Familiarity with the finite element method (FEM) is recommended. For those with no background in FEM, the course ENG5294 is recommended.

Familiarity with a programming language is recommended. Students who have no background will need to undertake guided supplementary reading.

None

None

Assessment

70% Examination

30% Coursework

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

It is not possible to offer reassessment in group project work in this course. Students failing to complete the group project work, without good cause, will be receive a Credit Refused (CR) grade and will be required to re-attend the course the following year.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aim of this course is to:

■ develop a knowledge and an understanding of one-dimensional, two-dimensional and curved structural systems, such as arches, plates and shells;

■ develop an understanding of the importance of boundary conditions in structural systems;

■ develop an understanding of direct time integration methods (explicit and implicit) for structural dynamics, including issues like numerical stability;

■ make the students aware of the societal impact of earthquakes.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ assign appropriate boundary conditions in finite element analyses of plates and shells;

■ assess which type of plate/shell theory should be used for different applications;

■ compute the dynamic response of a structure using the finite element method programmed in Python.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit all the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.

Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.