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151-0529-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-MATL , D-MAVT , D-MATH
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Nonlinear FEA

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Laura De Lorenzis
Does not take place this semester. Note: The previous course title until HS23 "Computational Mechanics II: Nonlinear FEA"
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:58

Abstract

The course provides an introduction to non-linear finite element analysis. The treated sources of non-linearity are related to material properties (hyperelasticity, plasticity), kinematics (large deformations, instability problems) and boundary conditions (contact).

Objective

To be able to address all major sources of non-linearity in theory and numerics, and to apply this knowledge to the solution of relevant problems in solid mechanics.

Content

1. Introduction: various sources of nonlinearities and implications for FEA. 2. Non-linear kinematics: large deformations, stability problems. 3. Non-linear material behavior: hyperelasticity, plasticity. 4. Non-linear boundary conditions: contact problems.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be provided. However, students are encouraged to take their own notes.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
One double-sided hand-written page of notes/formulae is allowed. No further material is allowed.
The written final exam (taking place during the last week of the semester) covers all contents of this course, including lectures, exercises, and programming assignments. It counts 50% towards the final grade.Additionally, there will be a compulsory continuous performance assessment in the form of four coding projects to be discussed and assigned during the course of the semester. Each of the four projects must be submitted two weeks after assignment. Collectively, they count 50% towards the final grade (12.5% each). These coding projects, which are integrated with the lectures and exercises, require the student to understand and apply the course material, and involve programming in Python.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Nonlinear FEA
Does not take place this semester. The course will be offered again in Spring Semester 2025.
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Nonlinear FEA
Does not take place this semester. The course will be offered again in Spring Semester 2025.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In