Applications of the Finite Element Method

Code:

PRODEC024

Acronym:

AMEF

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Civil Engineering - Structures

Instance: 2012/2013 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Structural and geotechnical Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PRODEC	0	Syllabus since 2007/08	1	-	5	45	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To understand the basis of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and how to use it in several areas of structural analysis.

Learning outcomes and competences

To perform structural analysis using FEM-based software involving mesh definition, the choice of the appropriate elements and interpretation of results.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM) and presentation of its fields of application; The displacement method for the analysis of reticulated structures as an application of the FEM; Computational aspects of the FEM and presentation of a software for structural analysis; The FEM formulation and application problems with linear elements; Problems of bi-dimensional elasticity;Isoparametric elements and numerical integration; Axisymmetric problems, three-dimensional problems, beams and slabs problems; Direct formulation, differential formulation and weighted residual formulation; Heat transfer problems; Percolation problems

DEMONSTRATION OF THE SYLLABUS COHERENCE WITH THE CURRICULAR UNIT'S OBJECTIVES:

The use of FEM-based software enables the achievement of the objectives, namely allowing to understand the fundamentals of the Finite Element Method and its application to civil engineering problems

Mandatory literature

Zienkiewicz, O. C.; Taylor, R. L.; The Finite Element Method for Solid and Structural Mechanics, Sixth Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005.
Oñate, E.; Cálculo de Estructuras por el Método de los Elementos Finitos - Análisis Estático Lineal, Segunda Edición, CIMNE, 1995.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching involves sessions with theoretical presentations and discussions. The student grading will be based on a report assignment and a written exam if necessary.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE COHERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The report assignment and the discussion of the UC contents allows for an efficient learning experience at this education level.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
	Trabalho escrito		100,00
	Total:	-	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Description	Type	Time (hours)	End date
	Estudo autónomo
	Total:	0,00

Calculation formula of final grade

.