SD2411 Lightweight Structures and FEM

Calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, solid mechanics, strength of materials and basic computer programming skills. Some previous experience of FEM and Matlab programming is also beneficial but not formally required.

English B / English 6

Analysis of structural elements and design methods for lightweight structures. Introduction to the finite element method. Bending, shear, torsion and warping of open and closed thin-walled beams, with and without stiffeners. Kirchhoff plate theory. Local and global instability of beams and thin plates.

 The course will give the student basic knowledge of the structural behaviour of beams, plates and shells, and the analysis and design of these types of structures, specifically, strength, stiffness, and weight issues for unstiffened and stiffened thin-walled structures.

After the course the student should be able to

• explain the function and application of different structural elements in lightweight structures
• from a given problem statement, chose an appropriate lightweight structural element with respect to functionality and weight
• analyse and design thin-walled beams and stiffened shells with respect to strength, stiffness and structural stability
• comfortably work with concepts from basic courses in solid mechanics, such as centre of gravity and moments of inertia, as well as more advanced concepts introduced in this course, such as shear flow, warping and different buckling mechanisms
• describe the principles of finite element codes and use them for analysis of basic structural elements
• write a small finite element code in MatLab and use it to analyse beam problems
• explain discrepancies in results from different analytical methods through knowledge about the different approximations they involve