This course is an introduction to Finite Element Analysis.  It develops and applies the Finite Element Method for planar and 3D linear elastic problems and steady-state heat conduction problems.

2 lectures per week

None

None

75% Written Exam

25% Set Exercise

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 aims of this course are to:

■ provide students with an understanding of the theoretical background of the Finite Element Method;

■ give guidance to its practical application in engineering mechanics.

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

■ apply the concept of approximation in the analysis of engineering problems;

■ apply the Finite Element Method to practical situations, with specific emphasis on its application to planar linear elastic problems and simple heat conduction problems;

■ undertake, with confidence, a finite element analysis and to appreciate modelling issues such as discretisation, boundary conditions, loading and validation.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 100% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.