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101-0158-01L 5 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Method of Finite Elements I

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Patrick Steffen, Prof. Dr. Eleni Chatzi
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:32

Abstract

The course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of the Method of Finite Elements, including element formulations, numerical solution procedures and modelling details. We aim to equip students with the ability to code algorithms (based on Python) for the solution of practical problems of structural analysis.DISCLAIMER: the course is not an introduction to commercial software.

Objective

The Direct Stiffness Method is revisited and the basic principles of Matrix Structural Analysis are overviewed. The basic theoretical concepts of the Method of Finite Elements are imparted and perspectives for problem solving procedures are provided. Linear finite element models for truss and continuum elements are introduced and their application for structural elements is demonstrated. The Method of Finite Elements is implemented on practical problems through accompanying demonstrations and assignments.

Content

1) Introductory Concepts Matrices and linear algebra - short review. 2) The Direct Stiffness Method Demos and exercises in Python 3) Formulation of the Method of Finite Elements. - The Principle of Virtual Work - Isoparametric formulations - 1D Elements (truss, beam) - 2D Elements (plane stress/strain) Demos and exercises in Python 4) Practical application of the Method of Finite Elements. - Practical Considerations - Results Interpretation - Exercises, where structural case studies are modelled and analyzed

Resources

Lecture Notes

The lecture notes are in the form of slides, available online from the course webpage:https://chatzi.ibk.ethz.ch/education/method-of-finite-elements-i.html

Literature

Structural Analysis with the Finite Element Method: Linear Statics, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by Eugenio Onate (available online via the ETH Library) Supplemental Reading Bathe, K.J., Finite Element Procedures, Prentice Hall, 1996.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Two pages of personal notes (one sheet filled out front and back, or two individual sheets filled out only on the front side). These might include sketches, diagrams, or text that has been personally created and no templates/copies/screenshots of material. The summary can be created by any means (e.g., a pen, pencil, typed content in Microsoft Word etc.) but it has to be printed for the exam.
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
The final grade comes by 45% from a compulsory continuous performance assessment task (i.e. 3 graded Homeworks (15% each)) and by 55% by a written computer- based examination, which will be on the last day of the course. The compulsory continuous performance assessment task need not be passed on its own; it is awarded a grade which counts proportionally towards the total course unit grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Method of Finite Elements I
  • Mon 12:45-13:30 (HCI J 4)
  • Mon 13:45-15:30 (HCI J 4)
3 h weekly

Offered In