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Galerkin formulation of the finite element method; accuracy and characteristics of finite element solutions; isoparametric elements; 1d, 2d, and 3d linear elasticity problems; heat flow problems; dynamic analysis of structures with lumped and distributed mass.
The finite element method is a numerical method ubiquitously employed to solve boundary value problems arising in a wide range of fields, e.g. structural mechanics, heat flow, advection diffusion,and electromagnetics.This course covers the mathematical underpinnings of the finite element method, and its application to solve structural mechanics and heat flow problems. Linear static and dynamic analysis problems applied to continuum and framed structures, and steady-state and transient heat flow problems are formulated.This course caters to Structural, Geotechnical, Mechanical, and Fire engineers by solving problems specific to each field. It is designed to help students learn how to conduct robust finite element simulations, and to confidently interpret the results.
1. Develop the finite element formulation for 1d, 2d, and 3d boundary value problems.2. Design smooth, continuous, and convergent finite element meshes to discretise the problem domain.3. Apply the finite element method to compute approximate solutions for structural mechanics and heat flow problems using efficient numerical solution algorithms.4. Apply the finite element method to analyse linear models of continuum and framed structures under external static and dynamic loads.5. Apply the finite element method to compute the modal frequencies and dynamic mode shapes of a structural model.6. Interpret the accuracy of the analysis results in light of the factors like the conditioning of the system, the order of numerical integration employed, the quality of the mesh, and the influence of mesh refinement.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department or the Programme Director
Students must attend one activity from each section.
The course will run from 01 April to 07 June 2024 as per the schedule.The following is a rough break-down of the amount of time a student who obtains an averagegrade could expect to spend in each activity related to the course:Online:Lectures 24 HoursIn-person:Discussion sessions 6 HoursIndependent work:Lecture review and assignments 54 hoursProject 54 hoursExam:Preparation 9 hoursWriting 3 hoursTotal 150
Reagan Chandramohan
Office hours will be held in Room E309 of the Civil/Mech building from TBD to TBD (1hour) on the indicated days. These office hours are meant to provide you with additionalopportunities to engage in one-on-one conversations with the instructor, in a less formalsetting compared to the discussion sessions.
Your course grade will be determined based on your total course score, which is computed asthe weighted average of your scores in the following three components: assignments, a project,and an exam. The weight of each component is listed below:Assignments 30%Project 30%Exam 40%
The following textbook will be used in this course:• Hughes, T. J. R. (2000). The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic FiniteElement Analysis. Mineola, New York, USA: Dover Publications.(Free digital copy available from UC Library website)The following reference textbooks are recommended for supplemental reading:• Fish, J., & Belytschko, T. (2007). A First Course in Finite Elements. Chichester, England:John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.(Free digital copy available from UC Library website)• Bathe, K.-J. (2014). Finite element procedures (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,USA: Prentice Hall.(Free digital copy available from MIT)
Domestic fee $1,197.00
International Postgraduate fees
* 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 .