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151-0833-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-MATL

Applied Finite Element Analysis

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Bekim Berisha, Prof. Dr. Dirk Mohr

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:39

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	No time listed	2 h weekly
exercise	Applied Finite Element Analysis The exercises will start in the 2nd week of the Semester.	No time listed	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
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Dennis Kochmann To achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing, all of the courses listed can be selected. If required, one course from another focus specialization or from the electives of the ME Bachelor program can be selected. For recommended courses and further information, please visit the MAVT website for Focus Specialization ( ).)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed. All courses listed as core courses (not electives) for one of the following ETH MSc programmes, MSc Statistics, MSc Physics, MSc Computer Science, MSc (Applied) Mathematics, MSc Neural Systems and Computation, MSc Robotics, Systems, and Control, MSc Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, can be taken as an elective course in the MSc CSE without prior permission.)
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Advanced Manufacturing (MaP Doctoral School)