Course content

Theory of elasticity: stresses and equilibrium, strains and compatibility, material law, and strain energy. Energy methods: the principle of virtual work, the principle of stationary potential energy, the Rayleigh-Ritz method and the finite element method. Beam theory. Beams on elastic foundation. Theory of plates in stretching and bending. Application of the Rayleigh-Ritz method for beams and plates. Stress analysis of plates with the finite element method.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate should be able to explain basic elements in plate theory (stretching and bending), and explain how analytical and numerical methods are used in the analysis of plate problems.

Skills: The candidate should be able to perform strength analyses of plate structures (stretching and bending) using the finite element method and be able to control the results by analytical considerations.

General competence: The candidate should be able to explain and critically discuss the use of the finite element method in the analysis of structures.

Digital competence: Skilled use of Python and finite element programs for solving linear-elastic problems: modeling, analysis, and visualization of results.

Sustainability competence: The course serves to give the students appropriate skills to design safe and cost-effective structures.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and mandatory exercises. The use of digital tools such as Python and finite element codes is emphasized in the exercises.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

TKT4116 Mechanics 1, TKT4122 Mechanics 2, TKT4132 Mechanics 3 and TMA4110/TMA4115 Calculus 3.

Course materials

Lecture Notes

K. Bell. An engineering approach to finite element analysis of linear structural mechanics problems. Akademika Publishing, 2013

Credit reductions