• Offered by Research School of Engineering
  • ANU College ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Classification Advanced
  • Course subject Engineering
  • Areas of interest Engineering

The subject introduces finite element analysis. Topics covered include principles of virtual work and energy methods for stress analysis; derivation of stiffness matrices for one dimensional problems, plane stress and plane strain problems, axisymmetric problems and general three dimensional continuum elements; solution methods, effect of mesh densities and convergence criteria; variational approach for finite element formulation; use of commercial finite element software; application of finite element analysis to problems in solid mechanics and steady-state field problems. Post graduate students will be exposed to the generalization of finite element methods for various boundary value problems, non-linear problems and optimization techniques. Case studies on various practical applications will be presented culminating in a group presentation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1.  Interpret the philosophy behind principles, design and modelling considerations in  using finite element analysis.
2.  Describe the general steps used in the finite element analysis to model problems in   engineering.
3.  Develop stiffness matrices for spring, truss, beam, plane stress problems and three dimensional  problems.
4.  Develop the finite element formulations for heat transfer problems.
5.  Describe the concept of  direct equilibrium method and potential energy method for structural mechanics problems.
6.  Explore the issues in convergence of solutions using finite element analysis.
7.  Develop expertise in the usage of commercial finite element software.
8.  Create and design engineering structures using finite element methods.
9. Predict the safe design limits for engineering structures.
10.  Communicate effectively through a written report the creation of optimized design of engineering structures.

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Requisite and Incompatibility

To enrol in this course you must be studying Master of Engineering.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Student Contribution Band:
2
Unit value:
6 units

If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.  Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2015 $3096
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2015 $4146
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

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The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

Second Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
2221 20 Jul 2015 07 Aug 2015 31 Aug 2015 30 Oct 2015 In Person N/A

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