The Tagliatela College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
Spring Semester, 2016

Syllabus
Course Schedule:

st

January 21 - May 11

th

2016

Course Number and Name: MECH 6605: Finite Element Methods in Engineering
Prerequisites:MECH 6604 Numerical Techniques in Mechanical Engineering
Lectures:

6:00 8:40 PM on Thursdays, Buckman Hall, B010

Instructor: George Bauer

Mobile Phone:
203-558-6994
E-mail:
Lightning_Ride98@Yahoo.com
Office hours: 5:15 to 6:00 PM on Thursdays and also by WebEx, Telecon, or
appointment.
Text Book:
1. Daryl L. Logan., A First Course in the Finite Element Method, Fifth Edition, Cengage Learning,
ISBN: 978-0-495-66825-1
Reference Books:
1. Vince Adams and Abraham Askenazi, Building Better Products with Finite Element Analysis,
Onward Press, 1999, ISBN1-56690-160X
2. G.R. Buchanan., Schaums Outline Series Theory and Problems of Finite Element Analysis.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1995, ISBN: 0-07-006714-8.
3. Bathe, Finite Element Procedures, Prentice Hall, 1996, ISBN 0-13-301458-4
Course Description:
Basic concepts underlying the Finite Element Method (FEM). Displacement and weighted residual
formulations of the finite element approach to numerical solutions. Applications to one- and twodimensional problems in areas such as elasticity, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to gain an understanding of the underlying theory basis of the finite
element method. The objective is also to learn how to apply the method to solve practical physical

problems in engineering related to structural, energy, and fluid systems.

2
The specific objectives are as follows:
1.

Basic understanding of the finite element method. Development of the stiffness matrix and
equations for the linear one-dimensional truss and beam elements.

2.

Development of shape functions, stress-strain, and strain-displacement relationships.

3.

Development of plane stress and plane strain 2D elements. Isoparametric formulation to develop
the element stiffness matrix.

4.

Understanding of higher order elements and the importance of their capacity. 3-D solid element,
development of shape functions, stiffness matrix, and force matrix.

5.

Proficiency in using ANSYS, understanding of capabilities, and limitations of linear static

structural finite element method.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:
1
Develop finite element models of problems using a textbook and theoretical approach.
2
Adapt and apply finite element theoretical solutions to solve practical engineering
problems.
3
Use ANSYS software to build comprehensive 3D finite element models and analysis
successfully.
4
Post-process finite element analysis results and present information for part validation and
rational decision making.
Grading:
Letter grades will be assigned based on the final numerical score at the end of the term determined using
the following distribution.
Homework
Lab performance & Report
Mid Term Examination
Final Examination
Total

25%
20%
25%
30%

All grades also will be evaluated through proper

mathematics and applied science concepts as well
as ability to set up and solve problems correctly.

100%

Academic Dishonesty Policy:

Cheating and other types of academic dishonesty in this course is not tolerated. Individual occurrences
will result in a grade of zero for the homework, project, or examination in question, and may result in an
F for the course itself. When appropriate, consultation to the department chair and/or dean will be
exercised for further disciplinary action.

Course Content and Schedule

Class
No.

Date
Thursday

Chapter(s)

Topic/Description

January 21

January 28

February 4

February 11

February 18

3,4

February 25

4,5

March 3

March 10

Exam covers
Chapters 1-5

March 17
March 24

10
11
12

March 31
April 7
April 14

6
7
8

13

April 21

10

14

April 28

LAB

15

May 5

Exam is
Comprehensive

Introduction, course outline, matrix notation, steps in FEM

analysis, applications and advantages of the FEM.
Stiffness/displacement matrix method, spring element
modeling, boundary conditions and energy approach. LAB
Intro to ANSYS GUI
Intro to truss elements
LAB Workshops
Solution of a plane truss, potential energy approach, coordinate
transformations, and symmetry. Homework review. LAB
Workshops
Development of stiffness matrix for a bar/beam element, frame
and grid problems. LAB Workshops
Arbitrary beam orientation in 2D space and distributed load.
LAB Workshops
Planar Beam problems, Grid problems
LAB Workshops
Mid-Term Exam
Spring Break - No Classes
Plane triangular element equations, both linear strain and
constant strain, body and surface forces, LAB Workshops
Plane triangular element development, cont. , LAB Workshops
FE Modeling and Interpretation, Lab Workshops
FE solution of plane stress and plane strain problems. LAB
Workshops, LAB Workshops
Isoparametric formulation of the bar and plane element
stiffness matrix and solution. Concepts of numerical
integration, higher order shape functions.
LAB Final Project, Report Submittal Required,
Miscellaneous Topics
Final Examination

Miscellaneous Topics: Heat Transfer in 1-D & 2-D, Thermal Structural Analyses, Dynamics

Homework:
Homework problems will be assigned for the term and these will be scheduled as the course progresses.
All assigned homework must be submitted on 8 x 11 size paper or electronic methods approved by the
instructor. All work must be your own. The following checklist is strongly recommended while presenting
the solutions in the homework and in the examinations.
1
2
3
4
5
6

Sketch of problem and discussion of the problem solving procedure.

Equation(s) stated in general form
Necessary assumptions stated
Substitutions or simultaneous solutions labeled
Units converted properly, coordinate system drawn
Final answers clearly indicated

Laboratory and Project reports:

The finite element modeling methods and application discussed in the class will be demonstrated through
laboratory workshops and projects using ANSYS analysis software. All lab workshops performed in class
will have instructions to post results to BlackBoard to receive credit for that lab session. A final lab and
project report describing the objectives, procedures followed, results, and discussion must be submitted
for the last lab exercise.
Examinations:
Two examinations will be given during the course of the semester. There will be a mid-term and a final
comprehensive examination given on the last meeting class of the course.
Attendance
Attendance will be taken at the start of each class. If for some reason there is an illness/personal/business
reason for missing class please contact me. University attendance regulations identifies the maximum
absence is limited to two (2) classes. Students who miss more than two weeks of classes can be dropped
from the course by the instructor. Instructors are not obligated to provide makeup exams so students
should be careful not to miss scheduled exams.
Class attendance is of paramount importance since a new topic or topics will be presented at each class.
Also, problem solving and computer programming work will be performed. When absent from a class
session, students are responsible to acquire lecture notes and workshop assignments from their classmates
and/or instructor.