| CODE | MEC5002 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Product Modelling using FEA | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Mechanical Engineering | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit will cover the theoretical aspects and practical applications of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) applied to product design and development. Following a basic understanding of the mathematical background, the module will focus on FEA applications through the use of computer simulation. To this end, the unit will be divided into two parts: Theory: - Basic stress analysis notions related to FEA; - 1D Structural and Thermal elements formulations; - Modelling concepts and best practices; - 2D Linear Triangular Structural element formulation; - 2D Quadratic Quadrilateral Structural element formulation; - Beam elements formulation. Practice: - Introduction to the use of a commercial FEA software; - Simple 2D stress analysis using the software's GUI and scripting language; - More advanced examples involving other modelling aspects, e.g.: axis symmetry, 3D, and link elements; - Meshing techniques and best practices; - Post-processing techniques. Study-unit Aims: In designing a product, due attention must be given to detailed design such that the product is not only manufacturable and aesthetically pleasing but also fit for its intended purpose. The aim of this study-unit is to present and introduce computer based tools that can be used in understanding product modelling beyond classical techniques. The use of computers imply that less simplifying assumptions are taken in modelling the system thus resulting in a more realistic analysis of the product. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - explain the main concepts of Finite Element Analysis to carry out a basic 1D and 2D structural / thermal analysis analytically for a manageable number of variables; - analyze the benefits and limitations of a commercial FEA software to solve more complex and hence real-life applications; - explain how symmetry boundary conditions can be used to the user's advantage; - explain how models can be meshed into finite elements in preparation for the solution phase; - apply material properties as input to the finite element model and appreciate the importance of such inputs. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - solve simple finite element models for structural and thermal engineering problems using FEA element formulations; - model a product to simulate structural and thermal response using a commercial FEA software package: • build the geometric model for a product by taking advantage of any symmetry • mesh the model; • apply boundary conditions and material properties; • solve; • be able to analyze results from the software's post-processing tool. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - M.J. Fagan. Finite element analysis, theory and practice. Longman Scientific & Technical, 1992. ISBN 0582022479, 9780582022478. - K.M. Entwistle. Basic principles of the finite element method. IOM Communications, 1999. ISBN 1861250843, 9781861250841. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Practicum | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Pierluigi Mollicone |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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