In this module you will be introduced to the 3D stress-strain problems in engineering. You will also be introduced to more specific stress cases in high pressure applications (thick-walled cylinders and compound vessels). General procedures that are necessary to carry out a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will also be introduced here. More specifically, you will cover the following topics:

1. 3D Stress-Strain-Transformation relationships
2. Thick-walled pressure vessels
3. Compound vessels of similar materials
4. Buckling Analysis
5. Mathematical representation of FEA: Basic principles of FEA, 1D spring element plane truss elements, plane simple beam elements, local and global stiffness matrices.

You will be required to complete two elements of summative assessment as follows:

A report based on a range of laboratory activities focused on structural analysis weighted 50% consisting of 2500 words and covering Learning Outcomes 1, and 2. Meeting AHEP 4 outcomes B1, B2, and B3.

A report on research and simulation focused on finite element analysis (FEA) weighted 50% consisting of 2500 words and covering Learning Outcomes 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 outcomes B1, B2, B3, and B4.

Formative assessment, guidance and feedback will be provided throughout the module.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including problem-based lectures, tutorials, laboratories and independent study.

1. Solve a range of problems in solid mechanics making appropriate use of advanced concepts and principles (AHEP 4: B1, B2)

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving

2. Investigate the structural behaviour of engineering components and assemblies through experimental testing, accurately collect and interpret stress, strain, and deflection data, and effectively communicate the results in relation to theoretical and analytical predictions. (AHEP 4: B3)

University Learning Outcome: Communication, Analysis, Application

3. Critically analyse the structural performance of engineering systems using finite element analysis (FEA) and related simulation tools and critically evaluate and reflect on the accuracy and validity of the numerical results against theoretical calculations and experimental data. (AHEP 4: B3)

University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Analysis, Application

4. Investigate and evaluate published research on structural analysis and finite element analysis, drawing on evidence from academic and industrial sources to inform practical engineering solutions. (AHEP 4: B1, B2, B4)

University Learning Outcome: Learning, Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis

Library facilities
Standard office software
ANSYS (Student Version)
Engineering Laboratory Equipment (e.g Thin/Thick-Walled Cylinder)

Gere, J.M. and Goodno, B.J., (2020) Mechanics of materials. Enhanced Ninth Edition. CL Engineering, Cengage Learning.
Hibbeler, R.C., (2023) Mechanics of materials. 11th Edition. Pearson.
Megson, T.H.G., (2019) Structural and stress analysis. Fourth Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Moaveni, S., (2019) Finite Element analysis: theory and applications with ANSYS. Fifth Edition. Pearson.
The Open University, (2016) Introduction to finite element analysis. First Edition.

Must be registered on BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing provision at Riverside College.

This module provides detailed study of the process of Structural Analysis and how such process techniques can be used to solve real-life problems. Design and Analysis case studies and design problems will be considered, and their applications will also be highlighted. Software based modelling and simulation techniques to create complex systems will be studied. Industry standard software will be used for detailed analysis, complex modelling and simulations during this module. Laboratory based activities will also be performed to prove the theory.