- Basics of Finite Elements
- Modelling of mechanical systems with Finite Elements
- Optimization of systems and components with Finite Elements for lightweighting
The course will contribute to the following learning objectives specific of the Master Programme:
Knowledge and understanding
- cc4: Knowledge of advanced design tools (mechanical, thermo-fluid dynamical, electrical, or multi-physics) for modelling and numerical simulation of components or systems.
Applying knowledge and understanding
- ca1: The ability to identify, formulate and solve industrial engineering problems, defining specifications, technical, social, environmental, and commercial constraints.
Making judgements
- ag1: The ability to independently analyse data and information, draw objective conclusions and make consequential decisions.
- ag3: The ability to identify the need for new knowledge.
Communication skills
- ac1: The ability to communicate and transfer information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialists and non-specialists.
- ac2: The ability to professionally present problems, solutions, analyses and results through written reports and verbal presentations.
Learning skills
- ap1: The capacity for continuous and autonomous learning, and self-updating in the relevant engineering area.
Prerequisiti
Basics of continuum mechanics Knowledge of elements of machine design
Metodi Didattici
Theoretical and practical classes
Mention is made of the special importance of the student's personal effort and the development of orderly study habits for a good learning process. An important methodological aspect is to stimulate student participation in the development of the theoretical and practical classes. Students will be asked questions, directly and also the use of student response systems. Practical classes will develop the application of knowledge and the ability to solve engineering problems.
Application workshop with peer-to-peer review
As solving engineering problems is a key ability, it will be reinforced through an applicative workshop. The activity foresees the assignment of a problem to small groups, who are requested to analyze and solve it within a defined time frame. The discussion within the group will activate critical thinking and the ability of making judgments based on data. Students will also be asked to autonomously integrate their knowledge, using online help of the software as well as online databases of research papers, to find information necessary to complete the assignment. Results will be delivered in the form a multimedia presentation. Judgement capabilities will be additionally strengthened as the results of each group will be evaluated with a peer-to-peer scheme.
Student study
Review and reinforcement of theoretical concepts.
Altre Informazioni
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Modalità di verifica apprendimento
The exam is comprised of a practical and theoretical part. In the practical part the student has to analyze an engineering problem within 4 hours, using the tools presented during the course (ca1). During the latter test the student may require to integrate its knowledge, accessing the software help to reinforce or extend autonomously his/her knowledge (ag3, ap1). The modelling strategy and the results need to be reported (ac1, ac2) and discussed (ag1) in a presentation. The theoretical part consists of an interview on the practical part as well as theoretical aspects of the finite elements (cc4).
To pass the exam, the student has to demonstrate: 1) operative mastering of the Finite Elements methodology (ca1), and thus the capability to obtain a solution representative of the physical problem, with only minor errors which do not significantly affect the quantitative results; 2) knowledge of the theoretical aspects that underlie the modeling of components and systems (cc4); 3) the ability to present and discuss results in a clear and comprehensive way (ac1, ac2, ag1).
Programma del corso
Basic theoretical concepts of Finite Elements
Main elements among 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D element types and their usage
Material models
Modeling of loads and constraints
Linear static analyses
Basics of optimization
Definition of optimization objectives and constraints within the reference Finite Elements software
Set-up of an optimization analysis and review of the results.