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Computational Science Investigation for Material Mechanics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:53
Abstract
Introduction to computational sciences with focus on numerical modeling of the mechanics of materials. Simulation of material damage and failure with advanced finite element methods.
Objective
Learning from mistakes and failures is as old as the engineering discipline. Understanding why things went wrong is essential for improvement, but often impossible without the help of numerical modelling. Real world problems are often highly nonlinear, dependent on multiple physical fields, involve fundamental material behavior far from equilibrium and reversibility, and can often only be understood by addressing different relevant scales. In this course, we will use real-life cases to learn how to deal with such problems. Starting from the problem description with governing equations, you will learn how to tackle non-linear and multi-field problems using numerical simulations. A particular focus will be on fracture. Starting from the failed state, we will investigate potential causes and find the conditions that resulted in failure. For doing so, you will learn how to predict it with the Finite Element Method (FEM). To correctly assess failure, plastic behavior and size effects, originating from the underlying material microstructure, need to be considered. You will learn how to deal with plasticity in FEM and how you can get information from the heterogeneous material scale into your FEM framework.
Content
1 Introduction to (numeric) forensic engineering 2 The nature of engineering problems (governing equations) 3 Numerical recipes for dealing with non-linear problems 4 Multi-field problems (HTM; Comsol) 5 On the nature of failure - Physics of damage and fracture 6 Cracks and growth in structures (LEFM and beyond) 7 A practical approach to LEFM with FEM (Abaqus) 8 Introduction to metal plasticity 9 How to make material implementations in ABAQUS UMAT (for metal plasticity) 10 Damage and fracture in heterogeneous materials 11 Numerical homogenization of heterogeneous materials behavior 12 Student μ-Project presentation
Resources
Lecture Notes
Will be provided during the lecture via moodle.
Literature
Will be provided during the lecture.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Computational Science Investigation for Material Mechanics |
|
2 h weekly |