Objectives
The course of Computational Mechanics aims to furnish knowledge about structural models and numerical techniques for structural analysis. The student will acquire the ability to understand the logic of numerical codes for structural analysis, acquiring some basic concepts regarding the 1D- and 2D-structures modeling, and the numerical techniques that are adopted. Students will also be able to develop simple numerical codes and use commercial programs with confidence. The course must be considered of great interest to the design engineer who intends to tackle problems of automatic calculation.
Course program
Variational formulation of the elastic equilibrium problem (PEE): Recalls of Continuum Mechanics, Total Potential Energy. - Euler-Bernoulli beam model: Analytical solution, Total Potential Energy, Approximate variational solutions. - Timoshenko beam model: Model formulation, Shear correction factor, Analytical solution, Total Potential Energy, Approximate variational solutions. - Plate model: plane stress or plane strain conditions, Equations of the problem, Total Potential Energy, Approximate variational solutions. - Kirchhoff-Love plate model: Model formulation, Total Potential Energy, Approximate variational solutions. - Mindlin-Reissner plate model: Model formulation, Total Potential Energy, approximate variational solutions. - 1D Finite Element Method: Rod, E-B Flexure Beam, Shear Deflection Flexure Beam, Locking Problem. - 2D Finite Element Method: Triangular elements, Isoparametric elements, Four-node elements. - Nonlinear problems: Damage modelling, Plasticity modelling, Solving algorithms for nonlinear problems.