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151-0833-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-MATL , D-MAVT , D-MATH
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Applied Finite Element Analysis

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Bekim Berisha, Prof. Dr. Dirk Mohr
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:57

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 , DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Candidates are permitted to bring one A4 sheet of notes, double-sided. The content of the sheet may be handwritten or printed.
The final grade is based on an exam and an optional engineering project. The exam takes place during the examination session. The project is a continuous performance assessment (learning task) and requires the student to understand and apply the lecture material. The grade of the project may contribute 0.25 grade points to the final grade, but only if it helps improving the final grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Applied Finite Element Analysis
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (IFW A 36)
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