CIV-E1060 - Engineering Computation and Simulation, 26.10.2020-13.12.2020

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Recognising the possibilities, advantages and risks of applying computational methods and simulation tools in engineering problems
2. Realizing the role of verification, validation and uncertainty quantification in computational science and engineering
3. Understanding of the theoretical foundations of the most relevant computer methods applied in civil engineering: finite element methods (FEM), finite difference methods (FDM) and collocations methods (CM)
4. Ability to apply the most relevant numerical methods in civil engineering (FEM, FDM, CM) by implementing well-structured simple programs for solving basic engineering problems
5. Ability to apply the most common civil engineering software tools (FEM) for solving engineering problems from different subfields of civil engineering

Credits: 5

Schedule: 26.10.2020 - 13.12.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Jarkko Niiranen

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Jarkko Niiranen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Week 1:
    - Modelling principles and boundary/initial value problems in engineering sciences
    - Basics of numerical integration and differentiation
    Week 2:
    - Basic 1D finite difference and collocations methods
    Week 3:
    - Energy methods and basic 1D finite element methods (bars/rods, beams, heat diffusion, seepage, electrostatics)
    Week 4:
    - Basic 2D and 3D finite element methods (heat diffusion, seepage)
    - Numerical implementation techniques and accuracy of basic finite element methods
    Week 5:
    - Finite element methods for beam models
    Week 6:
    - Finite element methods for 2D and 3D elasticity
    - Basics of algorithmic design in architectural engineering
    Week 7:
    - Exam
    - Compensating project work

    (The actual order of some of the weeks 1--6 may vary.)

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    1. Theoretical home assignments:
    - returned according to weakly deadlines (assessed weekly by assistants)

    2. Computer home assignments:
    - returned according to weakly deadlines (assessed weekly by assistants)

    3. Final exam:
    - on week 7 (assessed by the lecturer)

    The final grade (0–5) is composed of the points collected from the final examination (50% = 18 pts) and exercise assignments (theoretical 25% = 9 pts, computer 25% = 9 pts). The passing grade 1 can be achieved by about 50% (18 pts) of the total maximum (36 pts).

Workload

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Lectures: 2 double-hours per week (24 h = 18%)
    - contact teaching: attending the lectures (pre-browsing, listening, writing notes, asking etc.)

    Reading: 2 double-hours per week (24 h = 18%)
    - self-studies: reading and writing the derivations in the lecture slides and/or textbook

    Theoretical Exercises: 2 double-hours per week (24 h = 18%)
    - contact teaching: advice hours for theoretical hands-on exercises instructed by assistants

    Computer Exercises: 1 double-hour per week (12 h = 9%)
    - contact teaching: advice sessions for computer hands-on exercises instructed by assistants

    Theoretical Home Assignments: 4 hours per week (24 h = 18%)
    - 4-6 per week
    - self-studies for theoretical hands-on exercises: problem solving, calculating, writing solution documents

    Computer Home Assignments: 2 hours per week (12 h = 9%)
    - 1-3 per week
    - self-studies for computer hands-on exercises: reading manuals, programming, modeling, preparing solution plots

    Final exam and preparation: 3 + 10 hours (13 h = 10%)

DETAILS

Study Material

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Primary course material:
    - Lecture slides and home assignments
    - Text book by A. Öchsner abd M. Merkel: One-Dimensional Finite Elements, An Introduction to the FE Method, Springer, 2013 (available as an E-book or a downloadable pdf-file in the university library).

    Secondary course material:
    1. T. J. R. Hughes: The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1987.
    2. F. Hartmann (Author), Casimir Katz (Author): Structural Analysis with Finite Elements, 2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 2007.
    3. J. N. Reddy: An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, McGraw-Hill Education, 2005.

Substitutes for Courses

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Course CIV-E1060 Engineering Computation and Simulation can be replaced by course Rak-54.3200 Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering.

    Course Rak-54.3200 Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering can be replaced by course CIV-E1060 Engineering Computation and Simulation or Finite Element Methods in Civil Engineering.

Prerequisites

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    - Basic courses of BSc level engineering mathematics, physics, mechanics and computer science
    - Common studies (compulsory) course CIV-E1020 Mechanics of Beam and Frame Structures

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof