In this module you will be introduced to the general procedures that are necessary to carry out a Finite Element Analysis (FEA). You will be familiarised with an FEA software, and you will have the opportunity to investigate numerically fatigue problems in engineering structures. More specifically, you will cover the following topics:

- Mathematical representation of FEA: Basic principles of FEA, 1D spring element plane
truss elements, plane simple beam elements, local and global stiffness matrices.

- Fatigue Analysis: Fatigue processes and classification, stress-life and strain-life techniques, S-N curves, Miner’s rule, design factors.

- Deflection of beams using Energy Methods (Castigliano Theorem)

A 2500-word report based on FEA based simulations, weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2, M3

A 2-hour examination, weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 1 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2, M3

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 40% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain deep understanding, advanced knowledge, critical, analytical and evaluation skills for problems solving and create solutions through a variety of activities, including formal lectures, laboratories-based activities, tutorials and software-based sessions, and guided independent learning opportunities.

Students will also be supported through a VLE and use of university library.

1. Produce viable finite element analysis solutions to a range of classic, potential failure modes prevalent in mechanical engineering and to compare these with classical solutions. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M3)

Analysis,

Learning,

Problem Solving

2. Discuss the need for simplifying assumptions in order to solve a mathematical problem obtained from a physical problem. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M3)

Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis,

Problem Solving,

Application

3. Plan and undertake a formal investigation in the form of a professional design analysis. (AHEP 4: M2, M3)

Communication,

Analysis

4. Critically evaluate and understand the limitations of the analyses undertaken. (AHEP 4: M2, M3)

Problem Solving, Knowledge and Understanding, Application

Blackboard VLE
Library facilities

Standard office software

ANSYS Software or equivalent

Hibbeler, R.C., (2019)¿Structural analysis. 10th ed. in SI units. Pearson

Kuroiwski, P. M., (2022) “Finite Element Analysis for Design Engineers” SAE International

Lee, Y.L., Pan, J., Hathaway, R. and Barkey, M., (2011) "Fatigue testing and analysis: theory and practice". Elsevier.

McKenzie, W. M.C., and Zhang, B., (2022) “Examples in Structural Analysis” 3rd Edition. CRC Press

Megson, T.H.G., (2019)¿Structural and stress analysis. 4th ed. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Moaveni, S., (2014) "Finite Element analysis: theory and applications with ANSYS”. Fourth Edition. Pearson.

Schijve, J., (2009) "Fatigue of structures and materials". Second Edition. Springer.

Szaboacute, B., and Babuscaroka, I., (2021) “Finite Element Analysis: Method, Verification and Validation” 2nd Ed. Wiley

The Open University, (2016) "Introduction to finite element analysis". First Edition.

This module provides detailed study of the process of Structural Analysis and how such process can be used to solve real-life problems. Design and analysis case studies and design problems will be considered, and the applications of different system implementation technologies will be discussed. Software-based modelling and simulation techniques to create complex systems will be studied. Industry standard software will be used for detailed analysis and complex modelling and simulations during this module.¿