87253 - Computer Aided Design of Mechanical Structures m

Learning outcomes

The course aims to illustrate the main analytical and numerical methods for the calculation of structures, particularly suitable for computer use. The student will be able to work out calculation programs based on various numerical methods, understand the mathematical foundations of the most common commercial software and use them for the structural analysis of mechanical components. After a brief summary of continuum mechanics and numerical computation, the student will be able to delve into the main simulation techniques based on the Displacement Method, the Finite Element Method, and the Finite Difference Method. The student will then acquire the following skills: - Ability to set up a finite element calculation of mechanical structures. - Ability to perform advanced finite element analysis of mechanical structures. - Knowledge of the structure of a finite element calculation code.

Course contents

• Recall of Strength of materials.
• Differential equations of the main physical phenomena.
• Analytical solution of ordinary and partial derivative equations.
• Numerical solution methods of thermo-structural problems.
• Variational calculus and finite element.
• Modeling of structures with the beam element for static, dynamic and critical load analysis: calculation of linear and geometric stiffness matrix, mass matrix and load vector.
• Modeling of plane and axisymmetric structures with two-dimensional C0-type finite elements: triangular and quadrangular elements.
• Modeling of plates: two-dimensional finite elements of type C1 and flexural finite elements of type C0.
• Modeling of three-dimensional structures: solid and shell finite elements.
• Methods of mesh generation.

Readings/Bibliography

F. Cesari, Introduzione al metodo degli elementi finiti, Pitagora, 2019

F. Cesari, Il calcolo matriciale delle strutture,Vol. 2, Pitagora, 2019

F. Cesari, Esercizi di meccanica delle strutture, Vol. 5, Pitagora, 2015

F. Cesari, Esercizi di meccanica delle strutture, Vol. 6, Pitagora, 2017

Teaching methods

Lectures on theory and exercises plus assigned exercises to be done independently.

Assessment methods

Students are asked to form groups of 2-3 people.
Exercises with questions are submitted during the lectures to check the learning status of the subject.
Exercises carried out with a calculus program are then collected in a notebook to be presented at the oral examination.

Office hours

See the website of Gian Maria Santi