Topic outline

  • MEC-E1005 Modelling in Applied Mechanics





    During this project course, students develop understanding on (1) modelling in applied mechanics, (2) use of some of the most common numerical solution methods in mechanics, (3) experiments on real structures, and the interplay of (1), (2) and (3) in engineering work. Most projects are related with displacement, vibration, and stability analyses of toy structures or structural parts but projects on rigid body dynamics and Arctic technology may be also offered. The course also includes practice on scientific writing and support for the writing, as the students write technical reports on the measurements and modelling.

    After the course a student will be able to: (1) Apply the principles and methods used in problem solving in the field of applied mechanics, (2) use some of the most common numerical modelling tools on solving typical mechanical engineering problems and (3) perform a critical evaluation, potential validation, and analysis on the correctness of the modelling results.

    • SPRING 2022 COURSE WILL BE ORGANIZED IN OTANIEMI CAMPUS !


      COURSE PERSONNEL

      Responsible teachers: Arttu Polojärvi and Jouni Freund

      Modelling hours: Jouni Freund

      Ansys and lab hours: Alice Petry

      Scientific writing and writing clinics: Ken Pennington


      COURSE SOFTWARE

      Online teaching, if needed, during the course, use Zoom:

      https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/zoom-quick-guide

      Assignments are published and reports returned through MyCourses. Be prepared to use Latex, Microsoft Word, etc. with Mathtype or some other equation editor and a tool for pdf-conversion:

      https://download.aalto.fi/index-en.html

      Fem software: The commercial software for numerical calculations is Ansys. Before the Ansys workshop, download the free student version from

      https://www.ansys.com/academic/students/ansys-student

      The following links may be useful:

      https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/ANSYS+Learning+Modules

      https://studentcommunity.ansys.com/

      Mathematica: Alternatively or in addition, you may use the Mathematica code of the finite element method courses MEC-E1050 and MEC-E8001 available in MyCourses. Calculation hours of the course uses the Mathematica software. To follow the derivations, download the software from

      https://download.aalto.fi/index-en.html


      TEACHING

      Course introduction and modelling assignments lecture of week 16  gives you an overall picture about the learning outcomes, and course arrangements, schedule etc. and introduces all three modelling assignments, their materials and methods, and all practicalities related with the assignments.

      Scientific writing lecture on week 16 explains the structure, contents, format, and language of a report in technical mechanics. An example report is available in the homepage. Later, in writing clinics, you will get feedback on your writing.

      Ansys workshop on week 17 gives you the basic skills on Ansys software.  Download the free student version in good time and practice with the steps of numerical analysis with example problems (linear static analysis, vibration analysis, nonlinear analysis).

      Industry presentations of weeks 18-20 explain how mathematical modelling and numerical methods are applied in industry to answer questions related with design of machines and structures. Notice that participation to the industry presentations is taken into account in the final grading of the course.

      Modelling hours on weeks 16-20 are informal meetings for instructions, discussion, and questions about modelling in applied mechanics, assignments of the course, and use of Mathematica software in calculations. The reporting details like use and formatting of tables, figures, and equations are also topics of the modelling hours.

      Ansys hours on weeks 16-20 are informal meetings where you may discuss the use of Ansys in the modelling assignments and share your findings with the other participants of the course.

      Hands-on experiments take place in the second floor of K4-building during the office hours. Follow the instructions from the ground floor lobby (entrance A) to get there. The set-ups for the 1:st, 2:nd, and 3:rd assignment are available during weeks 17, 19, and 21, respectively. You may use the set-up according to the instructions in the assignment paper at any time during the week.

      Lab hours: Additional advice and instructions is available on Mon and Thu of weeks 17, 19, and 21 (schedule).


      REPORTING

      The outcome of each assignment is a report given by a group. Reports should qualify as technical reports in their format and contents (as described in the scientific writing lecture, writing clinics, and modelling hours).

      Draft of the 1:st and 2:nd report should be returned through MyCourses home page on Mon of week 18 and 20. Feedback consists of comments based on all the drafts to be used as a checklist for the final version.

      Final versions of all the reports should be returned through MyCourses home page by Fri of Week 23. Grading of reports is based on the final versions.


      GRADING

      Industry presentations: Participation 0…1p each (max 6p)

      Report draft: 0 or 1 (may not be accepted in the present from / likely to be accepted in the present form)

      Final report: 0…6p each report. At least 1p is needed for acceptance.

      Course: All the reports need to be accepted. Maximal points 6+6+6+6 = 24. Passing the course requires at least 12p.

    • Group choice icon

      The outcome of each assignment is a report by a workgroup. Enroll in one of the groups (1...15) of max 3 members. The groups are open for changes during weeks 16 and 17.. In case you want to work alone, email jouni.freund@aalto.fi (and do not enroll).