MEEG 453 Finite Element Methods in Mechanical Engineering
Lecture/Lab
Instructor
Office Hours
Wednesday 3:30-6:00 pm, Tech. 164
Dr. Junling (Joyce) Hu, Associate professor
Engineering Technology Building, Room 130
Tel: (203)576-4757
Email:[email protected]
Open door policy all day; scheduled office hours: Tuesday 10:00am-12:00pm
and Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm.
Course Materials
1. Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla, and Ashok D. Belegundu, Introduction to Finite Element in
Engineering, 4th edition, Prentice Hall, 2011, ISBN 978-0-132-162746.
2. Kim, N.H. and Sankar, B.V., Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design, Wiley,
2008, ISBN 978-0-470-12539-7.
3. Lee, Huel-Huang, Finite Element Simulations with ANSYS Workbench 14, SDC
Publications, 2012, ISBN 978-1585037254.
References:
1. Reddy, J. N., An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill,
2006, ISBN 978-0-07-246685-0.
2. Cornell University SimCafe ANSYS Learning Modules:
https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/SIMULATION/ANSYS+Learning+Modules
1. Lawrence, Kent L., ANSYS Workbench Tutorial, SDC Publications, 2011, ISBN 9781585036714.
2. Lawrence, Kent L., ANSYS Tutorial, SDC Publications, 2011, ISBN 978- 1585036608.
3. University of Alberta ANSYS Tutorial:
http://www.mece.ualberta.ca/tutorials/ansys/index.html.
4. MIT OpenCourseWare Finte Element Analysis of Solids and Fluids I:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mechanical-engineering/2-092-finite-element-analysis-ofsolids-and-fluids-i-fall-2009/
5. MIT OpenCourseWare Finte Element Analysis of Solids and Fluids II:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mechanical-engineering/2-094-finite-element-analysis-ofsolids-and-fluids-ii-spring-2011/
6. University of Colorado at Boulder Introduction to Finite Element Methods:
http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cas/courses.d/IFEM.d/
Course Description
This course introduces the theory and application of the finite element method for solid
mechanics and heat transfer problems. The course is divided into two parts: a discussion of the
concepts and theory behind the finite element method, and the use and application of the method
using the commercial software package ANSYS. The theory and application will be presented
concurrently throughout the semester.
Course Objectives:
 Understand fundamentals of FE theory. This includes generalized Hook’s law, Rayleigh−Ritz
method with energy functional, shape functions and derivation of FE matrices
 Problem modeling, including concept of rigid body motion, symmetry, multipoint constraints
 Hand−calculations on 1-D and 2-D problems
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

Do realistic Linear FEA in industry using a commercial code (ANSYS)
Interpret results through improved understanding of basic mechanics, and enhanced math and
computer skills
Grading
Class Attendance and Class Activity Participation
Homework
15%
ANSYS Assignments
25%
10%
Quizzes
Term Project
30%
20%
Class Attendance and Class Activity Participation – Timely attendance at each class session is
expected. A significant portion of your learning will accrue through the constructive and
respectful exchange of each other’s ideas and search for alternative solutions. You must be
actively engaged in class activities and discussions to improve your thinking and communication
skills.
Homework – Homework problems will be assigned from the textbook. These problems may
include derivations and analytical problems requiring hand computations. You can use Matlab to
help with the matrix operations.
Quizzes – In-class quizzes will be given throughout the semester to encourage students to keep
up-to-date with the material, and to ensure that the lectures are effective. Quiz problems cover
the theoretical material as discussed in lectures and the textbook. The quizzes will take
approximately 20 minutes. No provision will be made to make-up any quiz. If you miss a quiz,
you will receive a 0 grade for that one.
ANSYS Assignments – Several individual projects will be assigned throughout the semester
requiring the use of ANSYS. A brief report, describing the objectives of the analysis, modeling
techniques used, and results, must be submitted for each project.
Term Project – You may choose from a list of projects that have already been identified, or, with
instructor’s approval, you may create your own project. Your final project report will include
citation of relevant literature, and a report summarizing the results of the detailed analysis you
performed. Each student will give a brief presentation on their project to the entire class.
Blackboard
Class materials and announcement, homework assignment and answers will be posted at
Blackboard. http://blackboard.bridgeport.edu
Code of Conduct
It is the student's responsibility to familiarize himself or herself with and adhere to the standards
set forth in the policies on cheating and plagiarism as defined in the appropriate graduate
program handbook.
Note
I reserve the right to make adjustments to the syllabus during the semester.
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Course Outline (subject to change)
Topic
Reading
Introduction to the Finite Element Method and FEA
Background, modeling fundamentals, computational steps
ANSYS I.1
Case study: Pneumatically PDMS Fingers
Mathematical Preliminaries
Vectors and matrices, vector-matrix operations, matrix equations, eigen values
and eigen vectors, quadratic forms, maxima and minima of functions,
Implementation in MATLAB
Chap 2
Structural Mechanics and Failure
Stress, strain, stress-strain relations, boundary value problems, failure theories
Chap 1
One-Dimensional Problems
Illustration of the direct method, Potential energy approach, Galerkin approach,
uniaxial bar element, treatments of boundary conditions, quadratic shape
functions, thermal stresses
Chap 3
Trusses
Plane trusses and three-dimensional trusses
Chap 4
ANSYS 7.2
ANSYS: 3D Truss
Beams and Frames
Review of elementary beam theory, Potential energy approach, finite element
formulation, bending moment and shear force distribution, plane frames, threedimensional frames
Chap 5
ANSYS 7.3
ANSYS: Two story building
Constant Strain Triangle Elements
Plane stress and plane strain problems, constant strain triangular element, fournode rectangular element, four-node iso-parametric quadrilateral element,
numerical integration
Chap 6
Isoparametric Elements and Numerical Integration
Four-node iso-parametric quadrilateral element, numerical integration, higher
order elements
Chap 6
ANSYS: 2D Stress Analysis with CST and Quadrilaterial elements
Finite Element Procedures and Modeling
Finite element analysis procedures, finite element modeling techniques
ANSYS: 3D simulation of a LCD display support
Structural Design Using Finite Elements
Safety margin in design, fully-stressed design, design parameterization,
parameter study- sensitivity analysis, structural optimization
ANSYS: Plate optimization
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ANSYS 4.5 and 5.3