course-details-portlet

TKT4142

Finite Element Methods in Structural Engineering

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2024
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

Mathematical formulation of the finite element method for linearly elastic solids. Element and system analysis. Isoparametric mapping and numerical integration of the stiffness relation. Accuracy and convergence. Bar elements, plane stress and plane strain elements, axisymmetric elements, solid elements, beam and plate elements with shear deformation, thin-plate elements, and simple shell elements. Case studies with Abaqus covering key topics in the course, including modelling, selection of element type and discretization, application of loads and introduction of boundary conditions, as well as accuracy, robustness, and control of results.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate shall be able to explain the mathematical basis of the finite element method, the accuracy and convergence properties of isoparametric elements, and how the finite element method can be used in the analysis of elastic bodies.

Skills: The candidate shall be able to carry out strength analysis of components, details, and structures with the finite element method, select the correct element type and mesh size, perform convergence studies, and check the validity of the numerical model.

General competence: The candidate shall be able to explain and critically discuss the use of the finite element method in the analysis of structures, and check, interpret and present results from stress analysis with the finite element method.

Digital competence: Skilled use of finite element program (ABAQUS) for strength analysis of structures: Modeling, linear elastic solids, plane stress and plane strain elements, axisymmetric elements, solid elements, plate elements, shell elements, interpretation of results, accuracy and convergence. Programming with Python: ABAQUS scripting interface.

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

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, homework assignments and case studies with Abaqus. 2/3 of the case studies must be approved to be admitted to the exam. Teaching is given in English if students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. If the teaching is given in English, the exam papers are only given in English. The student's answers can be in Norwegian or English.

Compulsory assignments

  • Case studies

Further on evaluation

If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
TKT4192 7.5 sp Autumn 2023
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Applied Mechanics - Solid Mechanics
  • Structural Engineering
  • Structural Mechanics

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Structural Engineering