Computer-Aided Analysis of Mechanical Systems

Applied Mechanics. Strength of Materials. Structural Mechanics. 3D Modelling.

In the theoretical component of the course, the expository method will be used. Following the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, application examples will be executed, favoring the exchange of ideas, approach and problem solving by the students themselves during the class. Both cases will be supported by the visualization / use of the computer program Solidworks, version 2021.

The final agglutinating work intends to deepen skills in the application of the concepts described, as well as to consolidate skills in the execution of a technical report, presentation and discussion of it.

This Curricular Unit consists of a theoretical learning component and a vital laboratory development and application component. It is intended that students acquire knowledge and skills to understand the numerical approach to problems of calculating mechanical components and systems based on the finite element method. At the end of the course, the student should be able to correctly prepare a finite element model and interpret and evaluate the quality and reliability of the results.

Theoretical Component

Why finite element analysis? Fundamental concepts.

The user’s responsibility and the dangers of incorrect use of numerical programs.

Introduction to the finite element method. Major commercial finite element programs: Solidworks, MSC Nastran/Patran, MSC Appex. Finite element types and their development and implementation.

Seminar on the use of the MSC Appex Software.

Linear Static Analysis: Application examples. Support theories and analysis/interpretation of results.

Dynamic Analysis: Application Examples. Support theories and analysis/interpretation of results. Buckling, Impact and Structural Optimization. Application examples.

Laboratory Component

Commercial 3D modeling programs. Importance of a correctly defined parametric design. Learning in 3D design with Solidworks.

Finite elements: The Solidworks software. Development and implementation of demonstrative examples of mechanical components/systems analysis. Other application examples. Execution of global practical work.

NAO

Recommended Bibliography

Cook, R. D. (2004). Finite Element Modeling for Stress Analysis. John Wiley & Sons.

Filho, A. A. (2005). Elementos Finitos: A Base da Tecnologia CAE – Análise Dinâmica. Editora Erica.

Teixeira-Dias, F., Sousa, R. J., Valente, R. A., Pinho-da-Cruz, J. (2010). Método dos Elementos Finitos – Técnicas de Simulação Numérica em Engenharia. ETEP – Edições Técnicas e Profissionais.

Thompson, E. G. (2005). An Introduction to the Finite Element Method: Theory, Programming, and Applications. John Wiley & Sons.

Software:

Solidworks Manual,  2021.

MSC Nastran Patran Manual, 2021.

MSC Appex Manual, 2021.

Complementar Bibliography

Neto, M. A., Amaro, A., Roseiro, L., Cirne, J., Leal, R. (2015). Engineering Computation of Structures: The Finite Element Method. Springer. 

Liu, Yijun (2003). Lecture Notes: Introduction to the finite element method. University of Cincinnati.