EML 4500 Finite Element Analysis and Design
Fall 2007 Syllabus

Basic Information

Catalog Information: Credits 3, Prerequisite: EGM 3520, CGS 3422, EML 3520, EML 3005

Instructor: Dr. Ashok V. Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Office: MAE-C 106, Phone: 392-0816, Email: akumar@ufl.edu.

Class time and location: MWF 8th period (3:00 PM-3:50 PM) in FLG 270

Office hours: Instructor: MWF 9:30-10:30 AM, TA: TBA

Text books:

“A First Course in the Finite Element Method”, by Daryl L. Logan

Course objectives and outcomes

Catalog description: Stress-strain analysis and design of machine elements; finite element analysis.

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the finite element method which is the most widely used numerical method for engineering analysis. The course exposes students to analytical and numerical methods for computing stresses and strains in structures, use of finite element software for static structural analysis, application of design and failure criteria to ensure that mechanical components can carry the design load without failure. A brief outline of the course is provided below.

1.            Introduction

2.            Matrix algebra

3.            FEA applied to springs; Spring elements

Direct Stiffness Method

4.            Bar and Truss elements

Analysis of Truss-like structures

Truss analysis using FEA software

5.            Review of Beams

Hermite Beam Element

Beams with Distributed loads

Analysis of Frame-like Structures

Beam and Frame analysis using FEA software

6.            Equations of Elasticity

Definition Stresses; components; notation,

Transformation of stresses using Matrix methods

Principal stresses, Principal directions

Maximum shear stresses

Displacement field; strain components

Strain; principal strains, principal directions

Hooke's law (3D and 2D), Hooke’s law eg.,

7.            Theories of failure

Maximum normal stress theory

Maximum shear stress theory

Von-Mises Criterion

8.            Equilibrium Eqs; Principle of Virtual Work (PVW)

9.            2D finite elements for elasticity problems

Constant Strain Triangular elements

Application to Plane Stress and Plane Strain problems

2D FEA using Software

2D Axisymmetric problems

Discussion of Modeling issues

10.          Iso-parametric 2D elements

4 node Quadrilateral elements

Application to Plane Stress and Plane Strain problems

11.          3D Stress analysis

Tetrahedral Element

Iso-parametric 3D Element

12.          Intro to Design Optimization

Defining an optimization problem

Application to structural design

 

Program objectives and outcomes

Program objectives supported by this course include educating students to:

1.      Comprehend quantitative and analytical methods

2.      Understand and perform engineering analysis of machine systems

3.      Apply mathematics, science and engineering to design

4.      Communicate ideas graphically and in writing

Course assessment

Homework: assignments are posted on the class website. These will not be graded but solutions will be discussed in class and posted on the web.

Examinations: There will be four in-class examinations worth 50% of the final grade.

Projects: These are design or analysis problems involving the use of finite element software.

Grading: Exams/Quizzes: 55%, Homework/Projects: 43%, 2% class participation and student evaluation.

Academic Honesty:

All students admitted to the University of Florida have signed a statement of academic honesty committing them selves to be honest in all academic work and understanding that failure to comply with this commitment will result in disciplinary action.

This statement is a reminder to uphold your obligation as a student at the University of Florida and to be honest in all work submitted and exams taken in this class and all others.

Attendance: is very important since some of the material covered in class is not in the textbooks. If you have to miss a class, arrange to get notes from a classmate and meet with TA or instructor during office hours to clarify any material you could not understand.

Tentative Exam schedule: Quiz: September 5th

Exam 1: Sept., 21st, Exam2: Oct., 12th, Exam3: Nov., 5th, Exam4: Dec., 3rd

Projects: Must be submitted on time in class. Late projects submitted by the next class will receive 80% credit. Projects received later than that will not be accepted without medical or other valid reasons.