Advanced Finite Element Simulations Using Abaqus

• Create advanced finite element models in Abaqus
• Apply theoretical concepts to analyze finite element simulations
• Apply the effects of nonlinear material models and evaluate the results
• Create models consisting of orthotropic materials and analyse its influence
• Create models discretizing fiber composite structures and analyse the layups and critical ply stresses and strains based on first and last ply failure criteria
• Create and evaluate crack tips models and analyse their prediction accuracy.
• Create crack growth using models cohesive material laws in a finite element model and evaluate the impact of different modelling parameters
• Create Python scripts and apply these for pre- and post-processing steps
• Apply Python scripts in order to create automated parametric studies
• Create simple user-defined subroutines in Abaqus
• Understand the navigation in Abaqus’ User Manual and apply your knowledge to find relevant information.
• Analyse and evaluate critically finite elements simulations (plausible check, physical meaningful, mesh convergence study, comparison with tests/analytical results).

The workload in the course will focus on the study of a number of nonlinear problems, which include building up, solving and evaluating the solutions from realistic finite element problems. Throughout the work with the finite element exercises, important points using a commercial finite element code will be addressed. Cases involving isotropic elastic, anisotropic elastic and elastic-plastic material laws will be studied. In addition, user-defined subroutines and Python scripting be will used.

41501/41502/41812/41525/41526, or other courses covering strength of materials and an introduction to the finite element method or other courses covering composite materials and fracture mechanics

The course is built up as problem-based learning (PBL) or problem-solving learning course, respectively. That means that knowledge taught during the lectures and by running tutorials must be transferred and applied to similar examples to solve the problems. Here, focus is put on understanding and conclusive postprocessing, where often analytical solutions and experimental results will be compared and discussed.