After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

• analyse simple structural mechanical problems with the help of the finite element software Hyperworks
• convert practical problems into numerical models and solve them with a suitable analysis type (deformation, stress, buckling or modal analysis) in Hyperworks
• apply discretization techniques and weigh the accuracy and numerical effort of the FE simulation against each other
• apply knowledge of element types, material definitions, boundary conditions and analysis types in the practical use of Hyperworks or another FE program

Modelling techniques, meshing, pre- and postprocessing using the program HyperWorks, dealing with various analysetypes.

During the semester the students solve six different exercises individually. They create with the given geometry, material parameters and boundary conditions numerical models for every exercise. The modeling in Hyperworks will be demonstrated step by step during class while students can follow on their own laptops. In addition, instructional videos are provided on TUWEL helping to tackle the exercises. Half of the class duration is intended to have one-on-one discussions about questions and problems of the students.

The format of the course may deviate due to the pandemic.

The students summarize the main results of the six exercises in a report. Moreover, the students solve an additional exercise in Hyperworks in an exam to verify if they have done the six exercises individually. The basic theoretical knowledge will be checked in two written exams of approximately 20 minutes.

Knowledge of mechanics (in particular statics, fundamentals of strength of materials, dynamics)
Knowledge of mathematics (in particular linear algebra),
Knowledge of numerical methods in engineering (esp. initial value problems,
solution of differential equations, interpolation)