What you will study
The module comprises three blocks.
All blocks include modelling and analysis using ANSYS. These activities teach you how to use the software, plus the finer points of modelling and the importance of verifying and quality-checking results.
Block 1
The first week of Block 1 introduces postgraduate study skills, such as critical reflection and the requirements of an FEA analysis technical report. It also covers the finite element method’s role in today’s industry. It then introduces the finite element method. It uses FEA software (ANSYS Workbench) to illustrate the basic theory and apply it to the linear analysis of stresses and deflections in solids, heat transfer, and thermal stresses. Alongside FEA theory, Block 1 gives an overview of 3D stress analysis and principles, the understanding of which is important in modelling and FEA. The block ends with an overview of FEA thermal stress and diffusion analysis.
Block 2
The second block covers more advanced topics on FEA, including analysis of non-linear processes. These include large deflections, buckling, non-constant material properties and thermal radiation. The theory will be supplemented by activities and exercises using ANSYS.
Block 3
The final block starts with a review of the theory of mechanical vibrations, including multi-dimensional mass-spring systems and Euler beam theory. It describes finite element formulation of vibrating systems, considering both free and forced vibrations. It also covers modal analysis, transient response analysis, harmonic response analysis and wave/sound propagation. The theory will be complemented by activities and exercises using ANSYS.
You will learn
You’ll learn how to determine non-linear behaviour of a structure under load and how to conduct a linear finite element stress analysis of a loaded component, a thermal analysis of a heated radiating component, and a normal mode dynamics analysis of a free unloaded component. You’ll also learn how to report the results of such analyses to an industrial-type client.
Vocational relevance
The module is for engineers and scientists who want to understand the fundamental theory of FEA and gain practical experience in the techniques to model and analyse engineering products and problems safely.
Entry
There are no entry requirements for this module.
Although this module has no entry requirements, we recommend you have:
- A UK honours degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, or be familiar with subjects like:
- calculus
- heat transfer
- matrix algebra
- stress analysis
- vibrations.
- Minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores of:
- Reading: 5.5
- Writing: 5.5
- Speaking: 5.5
- Listening: 5.5
- Overall: 6.0.
Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.
Preparatory work
We provide some revision material in the module resources. We encourage you to read those if you don’t have a mechanical engineering background.
If you have a disability
Finite element analysis software is complex, comprising menus, dialogue boxes, text input boxes and textual and visual output. The visual output varies according to the input parameters, so can’t be anticipated. We provide descriptions for all figures. Screen readers might not work with this software. If you have a visual or manual dexterity impairment, you could find using this software challenging.
The materials for this module are a series of web pages. Some online material might not be fully accessible using a screen reader (mathematical and scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). We provide transcripts of audio material and alternative formats of other study materials, including electronic text that you can print.
If you have particular study requirements, tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Disability support website to find out more about what we offer.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the module forum.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box.