ENEQ622-17A (C) Any Time Start 2017

Nonlinear Structural and Finite Element Analysis

15 points

Details:
Start/End Date: The start and end dates are specific to each student. For further information please contact one of the following (as appropriate):
  • For Masters theses please contact the relevant Faculty Office.
  • For Doctoral degrees (PhD) please contact the Graduate School.
  • For other types of anytime start courses (i.e. generally courses worth 60 points or less) please contact the Course Coordinator.
Withdrawal Dates
The withdrawal dates for this course (both with and without fee refund) will be confirmed once a) the course start date and b) course length is confirmed. Students are advised to consult the department for further information.

Description

Nonlinear Structural and Finite Element Analysis

Overview

The objective of this course is for students to develop the necessary theoretical understanding of the principles of two important analyses: finite element analysis and nonlinear structural analysis.  Finite element analysis is very powerful for obtaining the stress/strain distribution of structures with complex forms, which could not be easily obtained through a simple frame analysis.  Nonlinear structural analysis is essential to understand structures that respond nonlinearly with large deformations and displacements.  These two analyses are particularly relevant for structural engineers in New Zealand that deal with day-to-day design of complex structures subject to earthquake forces from time to time during seismic events.

Given the current advancement of computer technology, many user-friendly software have been developed and made available in the design office for structural engineers to conduct finite element analysis and nonlinear structural analysis at ease.  However, these software are usually designed as a black box that hides all the core calculation processes.  Without sufficient understanding of the principles, structural engineers could run a risk of committing the crime of GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) in the analyses, and without realizing it.  This course sets out to equip students with this understanding.  Given the fact that most analysis software come with very detailed user manuals, this course will not provide step-by-step instructions in using software, but, rather, will focus on the principles and equip students with sufficient understanding to conduct their analyses correctly.

This course is essential for students who are interested in advanced methods of analysis for structural engineering, but the same principles covered in the course can also be applied to other disciplines including geotechnical, structural fire, fluid, and mechanical engineering.  While this course contains a sizeable amount of theoretical detail, the emphasis is on students gaining a holistic view of the salient features of the analysis of complex structures.  In addition to the way in which the lectures are presented, such emphasis will be achieved via the use of numerous examples and application-based assignments using software.  Particular emphasis is given to earthquake engineering problems.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course students should be able to

Understand and explain the highly specialized and advanced knowledge of finite element analysis and nonlinear structural analysis, their capabilities and limitations;
Develop and apply independently the new analysis skills and techniques to solve engineering problems in their industrial practice and academic research; and
Study and review independently the cutting-edge literatures in relevant fields.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of Department or the Programme Director.

Timetable Note

The course is split into two unequal parts with each part devoting to finite element analysis and nonlinear structural analysis, respectively.  The finite element analysis part of the course includes topics on variational principles, finite element formulations, shape functions, numerical integration, errors, patch test, incompatible modes, locking, reduced integration, and types of structural finite elements including fibre elements and plastic hinge elements.  The nonlinear structural analysis part of the course includes topics on geometrical and material nonlinearity, nonlinear solution strategy, constraints, and dynamics.

This is a block taught course on:
18-19 July
21-22 August

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Chin-Long Lee

Textbooks / Resources

There is no textbook in this course, but the book “A First Course in Finite Elements” written by Fish and Belytschko may be closely followed in the part on finite element analysis.  Students in this course are strongly recommended to have a copy of it as a reading support material.  This book comes also with a copy of Abaqus Student Edition finite element software that could be useful in this course.

Notes

While there is no pre-requisite for this course, students interested in enrolling should be conversant with basic knowledge in engineering mathematics, solid mechanics, structural analysis, and structural dynamics.  Any needed advanced knowledge not usually available in typical undergraduate curricula in civil engineering will be taught in the course.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,038.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .

All ENEQ622 Occurrences

  • ENEQ622-17A (C) Any Time Start 2017
  • ENEQ622-17S2 (C) Semester Two 2017 - Not Offered
Next year