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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

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:09

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 for treating such problems. The finite element program ABAQUS is introduced to investigate real engineering 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 - Material behavior (metals and rubber) - 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. The FEM Program ABAQUS will be introduced to investigate real engineering problems

Content

- introduction into FEM - Fundamentals of continuum mechanics to characterize large plastic deformations - Elasto-plastic material models - Lagrange and Euler 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 - Instability problems

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides

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.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Applied Finite Element Analysis	Wed 10:15-12:00 (ML F 38)	2 h weekly
exercise	Applied Finite Element Analysis The exercises will start in the 2nd week of the Semester.	Wed 14:15-16:00 (IFW A 36)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- 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.)