ME 455/555 Intro. to Finite Element Modeling and Analysis

Fall term 2024

Last updated: November 8, 2024

Final exam: Wednesday December 11, 12:30-14:20

Midterm exam: Monday November 4, 2-3:30

Lecture notes                      HW solution

Course modality: This is an online “remote” class. Lectures will be synchronously broadcast via Zoom during class times on Mondays. In addition, there will be supplemental video lectures available. All lectures will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing via PSU Media Space. Virtual office hours will also be provided using the Zoom conferencing tool. All assignments and exams will be submitted via Canvas.

See the course Canvas link below for more information and announcements, including Zoom and Media Space link:      https://canvas.pdx.edu/courses/90167

Course Objective:

• To acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the introductory concepts and applications of Finite Element (FE) Modeling and Analysis.
• To develop the ability to analyze and solve problems using FE concepts as well as commercially available FE software.

Contact information: send email to hormoz@pdx.edu.

Lecture notes:   There is no textbook requirements for the class. Prepared lecture notes are available in lieu of textbook. In class lecture notes will also be posted on the course web page.  All notes will be in PDF format. They will be supplemented with video tutorials for Abaqus/CAE software.

Recommended readings: 

-        A First Course in the Finite Elements Method, by Daryl L. Logan (Any edition)

-        Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering, by T.R. Chandrupatala and A.D. Belegundu (Any edition)

-        Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, by Cook, et al. (Any edition)  

 

Course syllabus (Please note the following dates are estimates and subject to change):

Week 1:   

•  Fundamental concepts, introduction to Finite Element Method
•  Introduction to stiffness method

Week 2:

•   Development of Truss Equations
•   Development of Beam Equations

Week 3:  

•  Development of Beam Equations (continued)
•  Frames and grids

 

Week 4: 

•  Development of 2-D Plane Stress and Plane Strain Equations
• Modeling issues, solution convergence

Week 5: 

• Isoparametric Formulation
•  Higher order elements

Week 6:

•  Midterm exam (exact date will be posted)
•  Axisymmetric Elements

Week 7: 

•  Axisymmetric Elements (continued)
• Three-Dimensional Solids

Week 8: 

•  Intro. to Vibration (Structural Dynamics)

Week 9: 

•  Intro. to Heat Transfer problems

Further topics in Modeling, Pre and Post processing, Results interpretation, and Error analysis will be covered throughout the term.

 

Grading Policy Grades will be based on homework assignments and exams as follows:

Homework assignments	25%
Midterm exam 1 (Monday November 4)	35%
Final exam (comprehensive)	40%

¹ No make up exams will be given. Percentage of missed midterm exam grade will be added to the Final exam percentage.

Homework Assignments and Due dates

Homework assignments will be posted below. Note the due date and time. Late submissions will not be graded. Submit HW electronically as pdf file to the course section of Canvas. You must follow HW submission guidelines. Failure to do so will result in HW not being graded!

 FE software availability

• To demonstrate the concepts, as well as solving homework problems, ABAQUS/CAE software is available in computer labs ( EB 420 and EB 325 ) for your use.  A free version of ABAQUS (limited to 1000 nodes), known as learning edition is available for download from MCECS Computer Action Team (CAT) web site https://intranet.cecs.pdx.edu/software/abaqus/ .
• Alternatively, you could use any software of your choice as long as it allows you to complete the assignments. Be aware, however, that I cannot answer any questions regarding other FE software syntax, or commands.

Notice to ABAQUS users

Please remember to direct all your questions regarding ABAQUS issues to your instructor. Questions regarding lab hardware, networking, e-mail, printing and web access should be brought to the attention of the college computer support staff (support@cecs.pdx.edu)

Notice to Graduate Students

Graduate students who register for ME 555 may be required to complete extra work (project), usually during the last two weeks of the term. Details will be announced, and posted on the web page.

Homework Submission guidelines:

1)      Entire homework set must be submitted as one (single) PDF file

2)      Only PDF format will be accepted and graded. Other formats (including JPEG images) will be ignored and will not be graded.

3)      Use the following naming convention for homework:

 Last-name_First-name_HWxx   (where xx indicates the set number).    For example: Smith_Jane_hw2.PDF

4) If you revise your submission send a message from Canvas alerting the grader about the changes.