CE 721 Matrix and Finite Element Structural Analysis

3 Credit Hours

Advanced topics of Finite Element Analysis including dynamics, wave propagation, emerging methods and nonlinear analysis.

Prerequisite

CE 526 (Finite Elements) or equivalent; CE 527 (Structural Dynamics) or equivalent, while not needed, would be helpful.

Course Objectives

By the conclusion of the course, the students would be able to:

Formulate precisely, and implement finite element procedures for linear elasticity
Perform free-vibration, time-harmonic and transient analyses of continuous structures
Perform analysis of structures involving material nonlinearity
Utilize emerging finite element techniques to efficiently solve specialized problems

Course Topics

Topics include (a) dynamic finite element analysis, (b) nonlinear finite element analysis arising from nonlinear elasticity, plasticity and/or geometric nonlinearity. (c) Selection of topics from advanced or emerging finite element methods for linear systems (e.g. mixed methods, semi-analytical methods, discontinuous Galerkin methods). Some parts of the course focus on precise conceptual understanding and computer implementation in MATLAB, while the rest involves review of various methodologies.

Course Requirements

HOMEWORK: There will be 3-4 homework assignments during the course, all focused on implementing advanced, dynamic and/or nonlinear finite element methods, and applying them to model problems.

EXAMINATIONS: None.

PROJECTS: Each student is expected to do a substantial course project that is individually designed keeping the student’s interest in mind. The project can either be computer implementation of an existing methodology, or solution of a complex real world problem loosely related to the topics discussed in the course.

Textbook

None required. Handouts, paper and references provided during the lecture.