Demonstration of the capacity and diversity of the Finite Element Method (FEM), establishment of the basis for an independent solution of applied problems using commercial software. Understanding of the theoretical basis as well as of the function of a finite element code. Practice of a commercial finite element code.
Outline of the capacity of the FEM, derivation of the equations of motion for the discretized continuum, plane strain elements (triangular and quadrilateral elements, isoparametric elements), numerical integration for triangular and rectangular domains, plate elements (Kirchhoff's plate theory). Limitation to linearity in all cases. Programming of small finite element subprograms (MATLAB). Composition of the small finite element subprograms to a simple basis finite element code. Treatment of a civil engineering problem with a commercial finite element code.
Lecture notes for this course are available. Sold at the Institute for Mechanics of Materials and Structures
Zienkiewicz, O. C., and Taylor, R. L.: The Finite Element Method, Fifth Ed., Volume 1 - 3, Butterworth Heinemann, 2000
Bathe, K. J.: Finite Elemente Methoden, Springer-Verlag, 1986
