101-0158-01L Method of Finite Elements I
| Semester | Spring Semester 2020 |
| 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 | 2 hrs |
| E. Chatzi, P. Steffen |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of the widely established Method of Finite Elements including element formulations, numerical solution procedures and modelling details. The course will also equip students with the ability to code algorithms (largely based on MATLAB) for the solution of practical problems in Infrastructure and Civil engineering. |
| Learning 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 & Commercial FE software 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 & Commercial FE software 4) Practical application of the Method of Finite Elements. - Practical Considerations - Results Interpretation - Final Project where a Real Test Case is modelled and analyzed |
| Lecture notes | The lecture notes are in the form of slides, available online from the course webpage |
| 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 MATLAB 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 | graded semester performance |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Additional information on mode of examination | The final grade comes by 45% from 3 graded Homeworks (15% each) and by 55% by a written examination, which will be on the last day of the course. |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| 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 | Major in Structural Engineering | W |  |
| Civil Engineering Master | Major in Materials and Mechanics | W | |