Single-Course Dansk 5 ECTS

Computational Structural Modelling 1: The Finite Element Method

A digital architectural rendering of a house model emerging from a tablet, overlaid on blueprints, with two engineers discussing the plans; visible tools include a yellow hard hat and measuring tape.

Overall Course Objectives

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a widely used tool among Civil Engineers (and Engineers in general) due to its generality and flexibility in a large number of engineering problems. Although most practitioners use commercial programs, an understanding of the underlying theory is a necessity for performing reasonable, realistic and reliable analyzes using FEM.
This course focuses on the fundamentals behind the method and provides the theoretical basis for further studies, as well as the use of FEM as a design tool. The course is oriented towards constructions and the structural mechanics area.

See course description in Danish

Introduced and apply influence lines in Finite Element formulations.
Establish the Finite Element Method equations for panels and shells based on the principle of virtual work.
Explain and apply the isoparametric method for the development of elements.
Apply Maxwell-Betti’s theorem for optimization of structures using the Finite Element Method.
Explain different structural element types.
Apply and evaluate the results obtained using different structural element types.
Apply a commercial FEM program and perform critical assessment of the results
Program and modify linear Finite Element programs.
Perform an analysis of beams subjected to torsion using the Finite Element Method.

The main subject is the Finite Element Method for structural design purposes. Emphasis is on a systematic development of the Finite Element Method based on the principle of virtual work, starting with panels. Shape functions are introduced for interpolation of the primary variables from which the generalized strains and stresses can be determined. Numerical integration and the isoparameter method are introduced and applied. In connection with the use of commercial Finite Element Method programs, the general structure is introduced. A commercial program is used and based on a theoretical insight into the Finite Element Method, a critical assessment of results can be made. It is shown how Maxwell-Betti’s theorem can be used to optimize structures in a Finite Element Method context.
The course is structured around lectures and exercises that cover both analytical derivations, programming of the Finite Element Method and use of commercial software.

01035/41955/11343/02601/02002/02003

Lectures and exercises