MECH413 INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Course Code:3650413
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Mechanical Engineering
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. VOLKAN ESAT
Offered Semester:Fall or Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

To explain variational and energy principles.

To introduce the basics of finite element formulation.

To formulate one-dimensional and two-dimensional elements.

To analyze one-dimensional and two-dimensional applications in solid mechanics and heat transfer.

To explain numerical integration.

To introduce isoparametric elements.

To utilise commercial finite element analysis software.


Course Content

Review of basic laws of continuum. Variational and weighted residual methods. Element type. Interpolation function. Boundary conditions. Transformation and assembly of element matrices. Solution methods and accuracy. Examples from solid mechanics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.


Course Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

identify the concepts of idealization and discretisation,

defining boundary conditions,

formulate element and global stiffness matrices, 

evaluate results of finite element analysis,

identify sources of computational errors of finite element analysis,

identify sources of physical errors of finite element analysis.

understand limitations and scope applicability of finite element analysis.

implement the methodology of finite element analysis,

interpret numerical results of finite element analysis,

use commercial finite element analysis software.


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Ability to establish the relationship between mathematics, basic sciences and engineering sciences with engineering applications
2Ability to find and interpret information
3Ability to follow the literature and technology related to his/her topic of interest
4Recognition of the need to keep oneself up to date in his/her profession
5Possession of written and oral communication skills
6Ability to conduct team work (within the discipline, inter-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary)
7Ability to produce original solutions
8Use of scientific methodology in approaching and producing solutions to engineering problems and needs
9Openness to all that is new
10Ability to conduct experiments
11Ability to do engineering design
12Awareness of engineering ethics, knowledge and adoption of its fundamental elements
13Ability to take societal, environmental and economic considerations into account in professional activities
14Possession of pioneering and leadership characteristics in areas related to the profession

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution