Mechanical Engineering Program

MECH 413 Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (3-0) 3

(TECHNICAL ELECTIVE Course)

Course ECTS Credit

5.0

Catalog Description

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.

Prerequisite(s)

Consent of the instructor - prerequisite courses: MAT210 and MECH206 with at least a DD.
Basic knowledge of a programming language (Fortran, Matlab, etc.) is strongly
recommended.

Textbooks

No particular textbook will be followed.

Other Recommended References

J. N. Reddy, An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill

Higher Education, 2006.
O. C. Zienkiewicz, R. L. Taylor, and J. Z. Zhu, The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and
Fundamentals, 6th Edition, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005.
D. Hutton, Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis, McGraw-Hill Higher Education,
2004.
D. L. Logan, A First Course in the Finite Element Method, 4th Edition, Thomson, 2007.
T. R. Chandrupatla, and A. D. Belegundu, Introduction to Finite Elements in
Engineering, Prentice Hall, 2002.
A. A. Becker, An Introductory Guide to Finite Element Analysis, Professional
Engineering Publishing, 2003.

Course Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
1. Knowledge of identifying the concepts of idealization and discretisation. 2. Knowledge of
defining boundary conditions. 3. Ability to formulate element and global stiffness. 4. Ability
to evaluate results of finite element analysis. 5. Ability to identify sources of computational
errors of finite element analysis. 6. Ability to identify sources of physical errors of finite
element analysis. 7. Ability to understand limitations and scope applicability of finite element
analysis. 8. Knowledge of implementing the methodology of finite element analysis. 9.
Knowledge of applying commercial finite element codes. 10. Ability to interpret numerical
results of finite element analysis. 11. Ability to work in a team. 12. Ability of communication
in an engineering environment. 13. Ability to use commercial software.

1
Teaching Format
Three 50 minute lectures per week.

Computer Usage
Use of software (MS Excel, MS Word, etc.) for homeworks may be utilised by the student.
Use of a programming language (Fortran, Matlab, etc.) through homework and project. Also,
optional use of a commercial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for the project.

Category Content

Mathematics and Basic Sciences 30%

Engineering Sciences 70%
Humanities and Social Sciences 0%
Departmental 0%
Engineering Design 0%

Weekly Class Schedule

Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Variational and weighted residual methods
Week 3: Variational and weighted residual methods
Week 4: Variational and weighted residual methods
Week 5: Finite element analysis for one-dimensional problems
Week 6: Finite element analysis for one-dimensional problems
Week 7: Finite element analysis for one-dimensional problems
Week 8: Isoparametric formulation
Week 9: Isoparametric formulation, element types
Week 10: Element types, numerical integration
Week 11: Numerical integration
Week 12: Finite element analysis for multi-dimensional problems
Week 13: Finite element analysis for multi-dimensional problems
Week 14: Nonlinear problems

Relationship to Program Objectives

This course contributes to fulfilment of the following program outcomes:

(i) Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the
relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model
and solve engineering problems.

(ii) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and
apply proper analysis and modelling methods for this purpose.

(iv) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for engineering
practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively.

(vii) Ability to communicate effectively in Turkish, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a
minimum of one foreign language.

Prepared by: Dr Volkan Esat Date: February 17th, 2017