101-0158-01L Method of Finite Elements I
| Semester | Spring Semester 2021 |
| Lecturers | E. Chatzi, P. Steffen |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101-0158-01 G | Method of Finite Elements I Course time: 13:45 - 15:30 | 2 hrs |
| E. Chatzi, P. Steffen |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | The course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of the Method of Finite Elements, including element formulations, numerical solution procedures and modelling details. We aim to equip students with the ability to code algorithms (based on Python) for the solution of practical problems of structural analysis. DISCLAIMER: the course is not an introduction to commercial software. |
| Objective | The Direct Stiffness Method is revisited and the basic principles of Matrix Structural Analysis are overviewed. The basic theoretical concepts of the Method of Finite Elements are imparted and perspectives for problem solving procedures are provided. Linear finite element models for truss and continuum elements are introduced and their application for structural elements is demonstrated. The Method of Finite Elements is implemented on practical problems through accompanying demonstrations and assignments. |
| Content | 1) Introductory Concepts Matrices and linear algebra - short review. 2) The Direct Stiffness Method Demos and exercises in MATLAB or Python 3) Formulation of the Method of Finite Elements. - The Principle of Virtual Work - Isoparametric formulations - 1D Elements (truss, beam) - 2D Elements (plane stress/strain) Demos and exercises in MATLAB or Python 4) Practical application of the Method of Finite Elements. - Practical Considerations - Results Interpretation - Exercises, where structural case studies are modelled and analyzed |
| Lecture notes | The lecture notes are in the form of slides, available online from the course webpage: https://chatzi.ibk.ethz.ch/education/method-of-finite-elements-i.html |
| Literature | Structural Analysis with the Finite Element Method: Linear Statics, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by Eugenio Onate (available online via the ETH Library) Supplemental Reading Bathe, K.J., Finite Element Procedures, Prentice Hall, 1996. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prior basic knowledge of Python is necessary. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 4 credits |
| Examiners | E. Chatzi, P. Steffen |
| Type | end-of-semester examination |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | A repetition date will be offered in the first two weeks of the semester immediately consecutive. |
| Additional information on mode of examination | The final grade comes by 45% from a compulsory continuous performance assessment task (i.e. 3 graded Homeworks (15% each)) and by 55% by a written computer- based examination, which will be on the last day of the course. The compulsory continuous performance assessment task need not be passed on its own; it is awarded a grade which counts proportionally towards the total course unit grade. Exam date: 16.06.2021 (9:30 -11:30), Room: ONA E7 |
| Online examination | The examination may take place on the computer. |
Learning materials
| Recording | Zoom lecture mondays 13:45-15:30 |
| Only public learning materials are listed. | |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |
Offered in
| Programme | Section | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Master | Digitalisation Specific Courses | W |  |
| Civil Engineering Master | Major in Structural Engineering | W | |
| Civil Engineering Master | Major in Materials and Mechanics | W | |