Availabilities:
| Location | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Lismore |
Unit description
Addresses the prediction of failure of machine components and structures by computer modelling of stresses and strains using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and by assessment of criteria to predict fracture. The lectures on FEM are focussed on modelling and interpreting results from a commercial software package, rather than the underlying mathematical theory.
Unit content
Introduction to Finite Element Method
Strain energy, Castigliano's theorem, interpolation functions
Element types, 2-D analysis types, plate and shell models
Force and displacement boundary conditions
Introduction to nonlinear finite element models
Using commercial finite element software
Linear-elastic and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics
Fatigue
Non-destructive testing
Failure analysis
Learning outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.
| On completion of this unit, students should be able to: | GA1 | GA2 | GA3 | GA4 | GA5 | GA6 | GA7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | understand how a finite element package works | Intellectual rigour | Knowledge of a discipline | |||||
| 2 | use a commercial finite element package to solve linear static elasticity problems, and to critically evaluate the output | Intellectual rigour | Creativity | Knowledge of a discipline | ||||
| 3 | use energy methods to predict by hand the structural deflections and reactions in simple statically indeterminate structures, as a means of checking computed results | Intellectual rigour | Knowledge of a discipline | |||||
| 4 | apply Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics to analyse brittle fracture | Intellectual rigour | Knowledge of a discipline | |||||
| 5 | analyse simple fatigue failures by applying fracture mechanics principles to fatigue crack growth | Intellectual rigour | Knowledge of a discipline | |||||
| 6 | apply the concepts of Elastic Plastic Fracture Mechanics to simple fracture situations | Intellectual rigour | Knowledge of a discipline | |||||
| 7 | understanding the basics of non-destructive testing techniques. | Knowledge of a discipline | ||||||
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- understand how a finite element package works
- GA1: Intellectual rigour
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- use a commercial finite element package to solve linear static elasticity problems, and to critically evaluate the output
- GA1: Intellectual rigour
- GA2: Creativity
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- use energy methods to predict by hand the structural deflections and reactions in simple statically indeterminate structures, as a means of checking computed results
- GA1: Intellectual rigour
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- apply Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics to analyse brittle fracture
- GA1: Intellectual rigour
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- analyse simple fatigue failures by applying fracture mechanics principles to fatigue crack growth
- GA1: Intellectual rigour
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- apply the concepts of Elastic Plastic Fracture Mechanics to simple fracture situations
- GA1: Intellectual rigour
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- understanding the basics of non-destructive testing techniques.
- GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
Prescribed texts
- Recommended but not compulsory: Liu, GR & Quek, SS, 2013, The Finite Element Method: A Practical Course, 2nd edn, Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN: 0080983561.
Teaching and assessment
| Teaching method |
| Lecture on-site 3 hours (12 weeks) |
| Tutorial on-site 1 hour (6 weeks) |
| Laboratory session 1 hour (6 weeks) |
| Assessment | |
| Project | 60% |
| Case study | 30% |
| Reflective writing | 10% |
Fee information
Domestic
Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees
International
Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.