Topic outline

  • General


    This on-line course aims to introduce the students to design and analysis of thin-walled structures. The course utilizes problem-based-learning concept so that the students are encouraged to work on selected application case throughout the course. The aim of the course is to identify a thin-walled structure that the students will analyze using finite element method (FEM) for different limit states (serviceability, ultimate, fatigue and accidental). For the learning it is of fundamental importance that the student is familiar of theory and application of the FEM and is used to some FE-software as the course is intensive – we will not provide support on usage of FE software. You can use your own software or the codes Aalto offers (e.g. Ansys, Abaqus, FEMAP, Comsol). 

    Each week (check left margin for details) we define a subtask to be solved, which is complemented with video lectures, question hours and supporting articles and references to certain text books. Then the students will work on personal and group assignments and submit them for peer-review when completed. Within few days, the students receive for these report points and proposals for corrections that can raise the grade. The corrections are due within one week from the feedback. Then the corrected submission will be graded and this grade contributes directly to the course grade. The grading of personal and group works is described in details in Assignments section. The strict grade boundaries are:

    <50%=0

    50%=1

    60%=2

    70%=3

    80%=4

    90%=5

    After the course, the you can identify the requirements for numerical analysis of large complex, thin-walled structures in terms of: physical understanding of the global structural static and vibratory response, load-transfer, materials; and in global and local approaches, i.e. homogenization and localization. Student can select the structural modelling techniques for different analyses of relevant limit states such as: serviceability (static, vibratory), ultimate strength, fatigue strength and responses under accidental loads. The topics for different weeks are given in left-hand margin of the web page. 

    For any inquiries, please contact the course teacher(s) jani.romanoff@aalto.fi and/or assistants Pasquale Gallo (lead), Kennie Berntsson, Janne Heiskari and Federica Mancini