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151-0833-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATH , D-MAVT

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Applied Finite Element Analysis

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Bekim Berisha, Dr. Niko Manopulo

Note: previous course title until HS19 "Principles of Nonlinear Finite-Element-Methods".

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:21

Abstract

Most problems in engineering are of nonlinear nature. The nonlinearities are caused basically due to the nonlinear material behavior, contact conditions and instability of structures. The principles of the nonlinear Finite-Element-Method (FEM) will be introduced in the scope of this lecture for treating such problems.

Objective

The goal of the lecture is to provide the students with the fundamentals of the non linear Finite Element Method (FEM). The lecture focuses on the principles of the nonlinear Finite-Element-Method based on explicit and implicit formulations. Typical applications of the nonlinear Finite-Element-Methods are simulations of: - Crash - Collapse of structures - Materials in Biomechanics (soft materials) - General forming processes Special attention will be paid to the modeling of the nonlinear material behavior, thermo-mechanical processes and processes with large plastic deformations. The ability to independently create a virtual model which describes the complex non linear systems will be acquired through accompanying exercises. These will include the Matlab programming of important model components such as constitutive equations

Content

- Fundamentals of continuum mechanics to characterize large plastic deformations - Elasto-plastic material models - Updated-Lagrange (UL), Euler and combined Euler-Lagrange (ALE) approaches - FEM implementation of constitutive equations - Element formulations - Implicit and explicit FEM methods - FEM formulations of coupled thermo-mechanical problems - Modeling of tool contact and the influence of friction - Solvers and convergence - Modeling of crack propagation - Introduction of advanced FE-Methods

Resources

Lecture Notes

yes

Literature

Bathe, K. J., Finite-Element-Procedures, Prentice-Hall, 1996

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: 1x A4 sheet, double-sided with notes/summary, scientific calculator.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 80

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Applied Finite Element Analysis	Wed 10:15-12:00 (HG G 5)	2 h weekly
exercise	Applied Finite Element Analysis Exercises start in the second week of the semester.	Wed 14:15-16:00 (HG G 5)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- For All Programme Regulations
  - Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- 5. Semester
  - Focus Specialization
    - Manufacturing Science (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Konrad Wegener To achieve the required 20 credit points for the focus specialization you need to pass all 3 compulsory courses (HS/FS). The other 8 credit points can be achieved from the elective courses.)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
  - Mechanics, Materials, Structures (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)