Designing mechanical structures involves calculating displacement, deformation, and stress fields by solving the equilibrium problem. Since obtaining analytical solutions for complex geometries is impossible, the use of the finite element method (FEM) is unavoidable.
Program:
- Know how to formulate the equations defining the equilibrium of a mechanical structure in linear elasticity.
- Understand the different methods for solving various types of problems.
- Be familiar with the weak integral form of the equilibrium equations.
- Master the main steps of the FEM: geometric discretization, construction of a finite element in the reference space, nodal approximation by subdomains, elemental weak form, assembly, imposition of boundary conditions and solution, calculation of auxiliary fields.
- Be able to apply this knowledge to structures with bars in space (trusses).
- Be able to apply this knowledge to thin and thick beams as well as beam structures (frames).
- Be able to apply this knowledge to membranes (2D) and solids (3D).
