ENG8804 Advanced Design Practice using Finite Element Analysis

Contents

• Staffing
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Other requirements
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

RATIONALE

Frame analysis packages such as Space Gass and Microstan have been developed by and for structural designers to assist with code based design of conventional structures. They generate analysis output that is directly applicable to code based design. Finite element analysis packages such as Strand7 have been developed as general purpose analysis tools. Structural designers are making increasing use of finite element analysis as a design tool particularly for non-standard structures. FEA can provide results that allow design of non standard structures where code methods are not directly applicable. This course is concerned with developing an understanding of FEA and equally importantly, with reaching responsible and informed designed decisions on the basis of FEA results. The course is intended to be broadly applicable to designers of building, civil and industrial structures.

SYNOPSIS

This course is concerned with the mechanics of "driving" an FEA package, using FEA output to develop a more sophisticated qualitative understanding of structural phenomena, and using quantitative FEA results as the basis for design decisions particularly where code methods are not directly applicable. A considerable emphasis is placed on using FEA to consolidate and extend the understanding of a number of phenomena likely to have been introduced in an undergraduate course. The course includes a substantial amount of design relevant theory required to understand the analysis of plate element models.

OBJECTIVES

the course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.

display proficiency in the mechanics of using FEA software (assignments);

2.

demonstrate a disciplined approach to the documentation and self checking of computer models and results (assignments);

3.

use FEA software for frame analysis and demonstrate an understanding of the difference between an FEA beam element and the beam element normally used in frame analysis packages (assignments);

4.

display an in-depth understanding of the full range of buckling phenomena and an ability to model these phenomena (assignments);

5.

use explicit modelling of imperfections to undertake design by advanced analysis of assemblies (assignments);

6.

display an understanding of the importance of mesh subdivision and of the relative accuracy of different plate element types (assignments);

7.

interpret results of plate element analysis and make use of such results for both steel and reinforced concrete structures (assignments);

8.

develop models for dynamic analysis and use natural frequency, transient dynamic and harmonic analysis (assignments).

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Strand7 Version 2.3 or later with the Linear, Non Linear and Buckling Analysis modules and preferably the Natural Frequency, Linear Transient Dynamic and Harmonic Response Analysis modules. Students should purchase or have access to this software package.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances then a penalty of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late up to a maximum of ten working days at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade in a course a student must obtain at least 50% of the total weighted marks for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Not applicable.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Students must have access to e-mail and internet access to UConnect for this course.
2. Students are strongly advised to have a minimum 256K broadband internet connection to USQ for the satisfactory operation of the Strand 7 software required for Assignments in this course. While you might be able to run the program over a dial-up 56K connection, the experience may be far from satisfactory given the heavy graphics component of Strand 7.

This version produced 11 Dec 2009.