Kurssiesite

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Recognising the possibilities, advantages and risks of applying advanced computational methods and simulation tools in engineering problems
2. Understanding of the theoretical foundations of the advanced finite element methods (FEM) applied in civil engineering
3. Understanding of the main assumptions and features of specialized structural finite elements and finite element analysis types
4. Ability to apply the most relevant advanced finite element methods in civil engineering by implementing well-structured simple programs for solving basic engineering problems
5. Ability to critically utilize advanced finite element software tools for the most typical civil engineering problems

Credits: 5

Schedule: 24.02.2025 - 08.04.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

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

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

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Week 1:
  - Abstract formulation and accuracy of finite element methods
  - Finite element methods for Timoshenko beams
  Week 2:
  - Finite element methods for Kirchhoff plates
  - Finite element methods for Reissner--Mindlin plates
  Week 3:
  - Finite element methods for shells
  Week 4:
  - Finite element methods for time-dependent problems
  Week 5:
  - Nonlinearities in finite element simulations
  Week 6:
  - Finite element methods for free vibrations
  - Finite element methods for buckling
  Week 7:
  - Exam

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

Assessment Methods and Criteria

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  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 for whole curriculum period:

  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%)
  - a few 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%)
  - a few per week
  - self-studies for theoretical hands-on exercises: problem solving, learning software features, preparing solution documents

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

DETAILS

Study Material

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  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)
  - Text book by J. N. Reddy: An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, McGraw-Hill Education, 1984,..., 2019

  Secondary course material:
  -  T. J. R. Hughes: The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, 1987/2000 (E-book with downloadable chapters in Aalto Learning Centre)
  - F. Hartmann (Author), Casimir Katz (Author): Structural Analysis with Finite Elements, 2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, 2007
  - J. N. Reddy: An Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Method, Oxford University Press, 2004

Substitutes for Courses

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Substitutes for Courses

Prerequisites

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Prerequisites

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Teaching Language: English

  Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV
  2025-2026 Spring IV

  Registration: Registration in the Sisu-system is required.

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