Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The Finite Element Method is today's answer for treating complex problems, which had hitherto remained impossible to solve, in several areas of engineering such as structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, electrical, heat conduction, etc. Though the method had its origin and early development in the area of structural engineering, its applications rapidly extended to cover almost all areas of engineering analysis and design. It is a powerful computer based procedure which is undergoing continuous development and improvement. QUT has had the vision to incorporate this unit into its course and this has provided a leading edge to our engineering graduates, making them more employable and sought after in the industry. As an example in the structures area, the displacements and stresses in complex concrete connections, dams, deep beams with openings, shell structures, etc., can only be obtained by finite element analysis. In order to use a typical finite element program you will need to understand the basic theory and some of the important features of the method, such as engineering actions, modelling techniques, choice of elements, boundary conditions, required input data and interpretation of results.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the basic theory and modelling skills necessary to use the finite element method effectively and to apply the method to solve problems in structural, geotechnical and water engineering.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to:
1. Understand the basic theory of the finite element method.
2. Model and analyse structures such as non prismatic beams, deep beams with openings, plate type structures used in floor slabs and bridge decks under all types of loading and support conditions.
3. Model and analyse the vibration in simple structures
4. Apply the method to problems in geotechnical and water engineering.
5. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking and effective problem solving skills.

Content

The major topics to be covered include:

• Basic concepts and theory of the finite element method.


• 1 D truss (or axial) elements, analogous systems in heat transfer and ground water flow


• 1 D beam elements, non prismatic cross-sections.


• Plane stress and plane strain cases, triangular and rectangular elements for plane elasticity.


• Plate bending and axisymetric problems.


• Advanced modelling techniques - introduction to: spring elements, non linear problems, gap elements, mixing element types and dynamics & vibration of structures.


• Use of the finite element program Algor to model and analyse structures.


• Applications in geotechnical and water engineering.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode:
Lectures: 4 hrs/wk - except weeks 3, 5 and 7 in which the classes will be for 3 hours.
Computer Labs: 2.5 hrs in weeks 3, 5, and 7.

Teaching in this unit will be through lectures, class discussions, computer lab sessions and assignments (on theory and computer modelling). It is imperative that students attend lectures and the computer lab sessions. In addition to teaching the material, there will be class discussions on the why and how of the finite element technique. You will be encouraged to ask questions to enhance your learning and to clarify doubts. Most (not all) of the lecture material will be made available through power point slides on Blackboard. There will be derivations and illustration in class, which have proven to have a significant impact on learning.

The computer modelling sessions will provide an opportunity to apply the technique to model and analyse structures. They form an important part of the teaching and learning in this unit. These computer lab sessions will provide you with valuable training towards work in real life situations and equip you for life-long learning in this modern technique which is continuously growing and becoming a powerful tool with many applications in engineering.

Assessment

The assessment of this unit will be through two major problem solving tasks on theory and computer modelling and a final examination at the end of the semester. The final exam is meant to test your knowledge and skills gained across the full syllabus.Feedback will be provided throughout the semester by discussions in class and personal discussions as required.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: You are required to use their understanding on the basics of the finite element method to model and solve problems.
Relates to objectives: 1, 5
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 4

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: This project will be on computer modelling techniques, applied to (i) a deep beam with an opening and (ii) a plate type structure used either as a bridge deck or a floor slab. There will also be convergence studies.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 5
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 6 & 8

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: The examination will cover the full syllabus - what was taught in class and the computer modelling sessions and what was learnt through the assignments.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended Text Book:
1. Finite Element Analysis, by MJ Fagan. First published in 1992 and continuously revised by Longmans Edition: 1992 or later

Reference Books: (need not be purchased)
(i) First Course in Finite Element Method, by DL Logan. Published by Thomson in 2007.
Edition: 2007 or later
(ii) Cook, R.D, ? Finite Element Modelling for Stress Analysis, by RD Cook. Published by John Wiley in 1995 (and revised continuously). Edition: 1995 or later

Black Board:
Power point slides on lecture notes.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

You will undertake lectures and computer lab sessions in the traditional classrooms and computer labs respectively. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 28-May-2012