Course Outline

MEC403 Computational Analysis

Course Coordinator:Tongfei Tian (ttian@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Computer aided engineering (CAE) is now a common step in the design of engineering structures. This course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Mechanics of Materials and Engineering Dynamics. You will gain knowledge of the operation and limitations of CAE systems and develop the skills required to design such structures and systems. The material presented includes a brief discussion on the architecture of CAE systems, numerical methods and finite element methods. Considerable emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of the finite element method in the design process.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous weekly learning material 1hr Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Topics may include:

  • Matrix algebra
  • Finite element method
  • Discretisation and other approximations
  • Stiffness and displacement methods
  • Bars beams, truss and linear statics analysis
  • Plane stress and plane strain
  • Frame and grids
  • Thermal stress

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Develop comprehensive knowledge of the mathematical representation and principles of computational modelling techniques. Knowledgeable
1, 1.2.a, 1.2
2 Investigate new developments and/or applications of various computational techniques in engineering problem solving. Knowledgeable
1, 1.4.a, 1.4
3 Formulate simple computational analysis models and fluently apply them to problem solving. Creative and critical thinker
2, 2.1.a, 2.1
4 Construct computational analysis models to solve engineering problems and assess and justify the reliability of simulated results. Creative and critical thinker
2, 2.1.a, 2.1.b, 2.1
5 Apply computational analysis as a tool to synthesise optimal design solutions for real engineering applications. Empowered
2, 2.3.a, 2.3
6 Effectively and professionally communicate literature review findings and problem solving outcomes of computational analysis through written reports. Engaged
3, 3.2.b, 3.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.2.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline: Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, evaluation, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.
1.4.a Knowledge and Skill Base - Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline: Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.
1.2 Knowledge and Skill Base: Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.4 Knowledge and Skill Base: Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
2 Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability
2.1.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.
2.1.b Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Ensures that all aspects of an engineering activity are soundly based on fundamental principles - by diagnosing, and taking appropriate action with data, calculations, results, proposals, processes, practices, and documented information that may be ill-founded, illogical, erroneous, unreliable or unrealistic.
2.3.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes: Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open ended problem solving skills as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plant, facilities and/or processes to satisfy user requirements.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.3 Engineering Application Ability: Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
3 Elements of competency: Professional and Personal Attributes
3.2.b Professional and Personal Attributes - Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains: Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the engineering discipline.
3.2 Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in GC002, GD002, MC002, GC003, GD003, MC003, GC006, GD006, MC006, SC410 or SC411

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

MEC303 or ENG303

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided through the completion of weekly activities in the laboratories.  Furthermore, feedback on each assessment will be provided which will be used to help with the following assessment.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 30%
1 hour for each quiz
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Written Piece Individual 30%
1500 words
Week 9 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Report Individual 40%
2000 words
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:In-tutorial Quizzes
Goal:
The goal of this task is to demonstrate your understanding of discretisation and finite elements and use this knowledge to solve structural problems.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Quizzes. Submission weeks: Week 4, week 8, week 12.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Formulation of simple computational analysis models and fluent application of them to problem solving.
2 3 4
2
Construction of computational analysis models to solve engineering problems and assessment and justification of the reliability of simulated results.
1 3 4
3
Development of comprehensive knowledge of the mathematical representation and principles of computational modelling techniques.
1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:FEA Problems with simple systems
Goal:
The goal is to apply engineering theory to evaluate simple systems and propose and justify solutions to structural problems.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
You will be given a set of problems representing a system of static structure. You will analyse the system using the finite element method and a CAE tool. This includes the accurate use of discretisation and analysis of stress and strain. The analysis will assist you to formulate possible solutions for improvement to the structure
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Formulation of simple computational analysis models and fluent application of them to problem solving.
1 3
2
Construction of computational analysis models to solve engineering problems and assessment and justification of the reliability of simulated results.
1 4 5
3
Application of computational analysis as a tool to synthesise optimal design solutions for real engineering applications.
3 4 5
4
Effective and professional communication of literature review findings and problem solving outcomes of computational analysis through written reports.
4 6
5
Investigation of new developments and/or applications of various computational techniques in engineering problem solving.
1 2 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Mini Project
Goal:
The goal is to evaluate the performance of an existing design using computer-aided engineering software to evaluate the validity of the model and solution in relation to the original problem specification
Product: Report
Format:
You will provide a written report detailing: Solid computer model application of stress and thermal stress design specification
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Construction of computational analysis models to solve engineering problems and assessment and justification of the reliability of simulated results.
3 4 5
2
Application of computational analysis as a tool to synthesise optimal design solutions for real engineering applications.
4 5
3
Effective and professional communication of literature review findings and problem solving outcomes of computational analysis through written reports.
4 6

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

Schedule

Period and Topic Activities
1
Revising mechanics of materials concepts
2
Review of Matrix notation
3
Finite element methods
4
Stiffness and displacement
5
Stiffness and displacement
6
Adapting problems for computer solution
7
Truss analysis using stiffness method
8
Beam analysis using stiffness method
9
Frame and Grid equations
10
Plane stress and plane strain stiffness equations
11
FEM of plane stress and plane strain
12
Thermal stress and FEM
13
Review

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Daryl L. Logan 2016 A First Course in the Finite Element Method, SI Edition 6th Ed Cengage Learning

Specific requirements

N/A

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

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Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

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