Course detail
Solution of Basic Problems of Solids Mechanics by FEM
FSI-6KP Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
Students during lectures become familiar with the theoretical foundations of the finite element method, with the essence of numerical computational modelling and with fundamental practical knowledge, which are applied to typical problems of solid mechanics. Practical tasks are divided by 1D, 2D, and 3D level of geometry. Dominantly, the subject is focused on linear static structural analysis, but also an introduction to dynamic analyses and analyses of heat conduction will be presented. The above will be practiced in the ANSYS Workbench computing software. The necessary knowledge of the subject is:
- ability to work with ANSYS Workbench software,
- understanding of the correct level of the computational model (inclusion of essential variables),
- analysis/assessment/verification of the obtained results,
- theoretical basement of FEM.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
4
Supervisor
Entry knowledge
Matrix notation, linear algebra, function of one and more variables, calculus, elementary dynamics, elasticity and thermal conduction.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The graded course-unit credit requirements :
- active participation in seminars,
- knowledge check in the form of a test task,
- individual preparation and presentation of seminar assignments,
- good results in the written test of basic knowledge.
The teacher will specify the specific form of assessment in the first week of the semester.
Attendance at practical training is obligatory. Attendance is checked systematically by the teachers, as well as students’ active participation in the seminars and fundamental knowledge. Unexcused absence is the cause for not awarding the course-unit credit.
Aims
The objective of the course is to present theoretical background of FEM and its practical application to various problems of continuum mechanics. Practical training is done with the commercial FE system ANSYS, which is frequently used at universities, scientific institutions and industrial companies worldwide.
Students gain basic theoretical and practical knowledge of the Finite Element Method. They learn how to use it for solving continuum mechanics problems in complicated two- and three dimensional regions. The acquired knowledge is applicable in all areas of solid mechanics, for students of all branches of engineering study.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-MAI-P: Mathematical Engineering, Master's, elective
Programme B-FIN-P: Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology, Bachelor's, elective
Programme B-KSI-P: Mechanical Engineering Design, Bachelor's, compulsory
Programme B-MET-P: Mechatronics, Bachelor's, compulsory
Programme B-STR-P: Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization KSB: Quality, Reliability and Safety, compulsory
Programme B-STR-P: Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization SSZ: Machine and Equipment Construction, compulsory
Programme B-ZSI-P: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor's
specialization STI: Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, compulsory-optional
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
- Introduction to finite element method
- Theory of finite element method
- Beam elements: frames, truss structure
- Plane elements: Plane stress, plane strain and axisymmetric
- Solid and shell elements
- Creation of mesh, control of mesh density, influence of discretization on results
- Solution of dynamic problems – modal, harmonic and transient problems
- Introduction to program system ABAQUS
- Thermal conduction problems in ANSYS
- Basic knowledge on the "art of modelling"
Computer-assisted exercise
26 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1 – 7
- Introduction of ANSYS Workbench
- Beam element, truss
- Plane elements (plane-stress, plane-strain, axisymmetric body)
- Solid and shell elements
- Steady-state and transient thermal analysis
- Finding natural frequencies and mode shapes
- Dynamic analysis
8 – 12
- Solving of a given project under the supervision of lecturer
13
- Presentation of project work by students