University of Hartford College of Engineering

ME 507/CE 507 Finite Element Analysis (Spring 2010)

Monday 5:40 7:50 pm, Room UT 111

Instructor: Xuejun Liu

Email: xuejun@hartford.edu

Credit Hours 3 Lecture Hours 3 Laboratory Hours

Prerequisites: Senior or graduate standing

Textbook: Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design; Nam-Ho Kim, Bhavani
Sankar, John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-12539-7

Bulletin Description:
CE 507 / ME 507 Finite Element Analysis [3]
Principles and applications of finite element methods. The principle of virtual work is
used to develop finite element equations for the representation and analysis of
engineering structures. Hand calculations and computer modeling are used to analyze
two- and three-dimensional constructs. May be taken as a professional elective by senior
Civil and Mechanical Engineering undergraduates. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate
standing in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or permission of instructor.

Course Outcomes
1) To understand the basics of matrix manipulations required for Finite Element Analysis
2) To be able to computationally evaluate simple 1-D and 2-D Finite Element meshes
3) To be able to evaluate 2-D and 3-D homogeneous structures using a currently accepted
Finite Element Analysis code
4) To understand the need for and methods used to validate Finite Element results
5) To become acquainted with the techniques required for heat transfer and fluid flow
analysis via Finite Element Analysis techniques.
Overall Assessment:
1) Graded homework assignments covering the mathematical background of Finite
Element Analysis along with 1-D and 2-D mesh models
2) Finite Element Analysis projects to be handed in. These include written reports,
and a comparison to hand calculations if applicable. Models include 2-D and 3-D
structures and heat transfer problems.
3) Mid-term is in-class test of home work type problems and Final exam is in-class
project problem consisting of developing a specific finite element model.

Grading:
Projects (30%), Homework (30%), Mid-term exam (20%), Final exam (20%)

Study Plan:
1) Introduction, Matrix Algebra, Solving Simultaneous Equations Chapter 7, 0
2) Stress / Strain relations Chapter 1
3) Bar and Truss Equations, Direct Method Chapter 2
4) Galerkin Method, Virtual Work Chapter 3
5) Plane Stress / Plane Strain Chapter 4, 6
6) Overview of Elements for FEA Chapter 7
7) Heat Transfer Chapter 5
8) Structural Optimization Chapter 8