Overview

The module aims to cultivate and authenticate your practical proficiency in CAD Stress Analysis and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to meet commercial and professional standards. FEA plays a crucial role in contemporary manufacturing, facilitating cost and time reduction in product development, while enhancing safety, comfort, and durability. You will engage in collaborative projects with industrial partners, typically engineering or manufacturing companies, to work on live briefs involving the development, refinement, and testing of real-world engineering solutions. The industrial partner provides CAD design data for new or existing products, which students then remodel and analyse using FEA techniques.

The module emphasizes the mathematical and virtual modelling of mechanical behaviour to generate results for the analysis and evaluation of parts intended for manufacture. Comparative analysis between test data and real-world results ensures process validation. Advanced FEA techniques, such as frequency and thermal studies, are covered, preparing students for SolidWorks CSWA – Simulation and CSWP – Simulation certification.

1. Static studies – Understanding axial forces, sheer forces, bending moments, factor of safety
2. Mechanics – Simple Stress 1 & the structure of materials
3. Mechanics – Simple Stress 2 & the strength of materials
4. Mechanics – Strain and Elasticity & Finite Element Analysis Theory
5. Defining Solid and Shell elements – connections, fixtures and loads
6. Defining Truss and Beam elements – loads and restraints
7. Solvers and the analysis and validity of results
8. Symmetry, Non-uniform loads, buckling and drop testing
9. Configurations and scope
10. Live study task results

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%:Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the assignment; conceptual understanding is acceptable. Experimental work is carried out in a reliable manner, with an appreciation of data analysis shown during validation. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved and solutions are acceptable. Performance in transferable skills is sound. -good -60 -69%:Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the assignment and shows good evidence of enquiry beyond this. Conceptual understanding is good. Experimental work is carried out in a reliable and efficient manner, with a good appreciation of data analysis shown during validation. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved in a logical manner; solutions are generally correct and acceptable. Performance in transferable skills is sound and shows no significant deficiencies. -excellent -70% and above:Knowledge base is extensive and extends well beyond the work covered in the assignment; conceptual understanding is outstanding. Experimental work is exemplary and shows a thorough analysis and appraisal of experimental results, with appropriate and justified validation. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved with efficiency and accuracy; problem-solving procedures are adjusted to the nature of the problem. Performance in transferable skills is generally very good.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse Finite Element Analysis results and suggest improvements, new concepts or alternate approaches to solutions.

• Apply a range of mathematical and computational methods for formulating and solving problems.

• Undertake analysis of complex data and judge the appropriateness of the enquiry methodology used.

• Work with an industrial partner to test, analyse and improve current product on the market, or alternatively validate the new concept generation process with analysis data and results.