Module Descriptors

The role of computational based analysis and simulation techniques are proving to be ever more critical as enabling technologies in the engineering and design environment Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a major analysis tool for the simulation and assessment of components and systems. 

This module will introduce students to advantages, disadvantages and limitations of different FE methodologies, exemplifying these by application of the methods to practical engineering and design problems.

An introduction to traditional H-type element formulation will be presented for beam, 2D planar, 3D shell and solid elements. Solution methods and routines will be discussed as applicable to the analysis type.

Module content will focus on modeling strategies and techniques. Types of modeling such as solid, shell, plane stress and strain techniques, axisymmetric and beam modeling will be discussed and demonstrated. Modeling issues will be highlighted such as the use of symmetry, error issues and convergence checking. Sensitivity studies will be dealt with in a practical manner. Effects of element formulation, equivalent nodal loading, solution schemes, element results, nodal averaging, and constraints will be discussed and assessed. Combination of element types within an analysis will be explored, with various modeling approaches demonstrated.

During the course of this module students will develop their UWS Graduate Attributes (https://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/your-graduate-attributes/). Universal: Academic attributes - critical thinking and analytical & inquiring mind; Work-Ready: Academic attributes - knowledge of FEA and CFD and relevant ICT skills; Successful : autonomus, driven and resillient.

• This module will start with a small displacement linear elastic FE analysis and progress to advanced modelling with geometric and material nonlinearities with applications. Assessment will be by means of a major coursework/case study submission. During the course of this module students will gain knowledge and understanding of this important discipline as well as having the opportunity to develop a broad range of ICT, technical and transferable skills. Subject matter will be delivered mainly by an innovative programme of laboratory demonstrations and class assignments where the practical nature of the module will be emphasised and students will gain experience in using state of the art FEA systems. A complementary series of lectures and presentations will also be used to reinforce the subject matter.


• This module has been reviewed and updated, taking cognisance of the University’s Curriculum Framework principles. Examples of this are found within the module such as active and engaging laboratory and digital tutorial activity, module assessment which reflects industry Computer Aided Engineering activities, learning synergies across modules and levels of study, recorded lecture content supporting students to organise their own study time and the use of real-world practical problems with experimental data to validate simulation activity developing digital intelligence meta-skills.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Develop an in-depth comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of the theory and application of analysis and simulation systems currently used in a design and analysis engineering environment

L2. Apply advanced skills and techniques, in the application of Finite Element Analysis, to solve practical case studies and complex design problems, reaching substantiated solutions

L3. Demonstrate a critical analysis and assessment of a Finite Element Analysis

L4. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence originality using advanced FEA for problems involving linear elastic small displacement, eigenvalue and eigenvector vibration and buckling, nonlinearity and time dependencies

L5. Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks

A critical knowledge and understanding of finite element methods and techniques and how these fit into engineering and design strategies.

Specific and detailed knowledge and understanding of the application, techniques and practices associated with finite element analysis of engineering and design problems.

Detailed knowledge of appropriateness of methods and techniques to different problems/scenarios.

Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems

Applying knowledge and understanding to develop modelling and analysis strategies for a wide range of engineering and design problems, using finite element method techniques.

Assessing different strategies with respect to obtaining appropriate efficient solutions to engineering and design problems.

Making use of specialised finite element techniques to solve engineering and design problems such as optimisation methods or open ended problems.

Undertaking, evaluating and assessing critical FE analysis data. Making judgements on analytical data and results. Being able to develop conceptual solutions and strategies to FE problems.

Dealing with unpredictability in results and making critical comparative assessments between theoretical, simulation, and experimental predictions.

Bringing information together from a variety of sources during problem solving and being able to perceive potential problems with methods and strategies.

Ability to perform, interpret and evaluate complex numerical, geometrical and graphical data and using it to solve problems.

Ability to use variables and equations. Ability to integrate existing software with other applications such as spread sheets. Make use of multi-purpose integrated software systems to solve complex problems.

Using communications skills to write detailed, critical technical reports, including text and illustration.

Using finite element hardware and software and associated ICT equipment and systems such as networks to support and perform a wide range of problem solving tasks.

Identifying and addressing their own learning needs both during and outwith class time.

Identifying solution routes and strategies using their own initiative and informed judgements.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

1.07

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.