Finite Element Method

General

Course Contents

• Introduction to the finite element method
• Discretization for continuum mechanics
• Stiffness matrix for elements and structures
• Direct stiffness method
• Galerkin method
• Boundary conditions
• Shape functions
• One-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements
• Stress and strain analysis
• Numerical integration
• Programming
• Development of Finite Element models utilizing an appropriate commercial software, examples and coursework

Educational Goals

After successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
To know the basic concepts of numerical solution of mechanical problems with the finite element method
Determine mass and stiffness matrices
Implement programming knowledge and numerical methods to solve engineering problems
To interpret the analysis results (displacements, moments, stress) based on the assumptions of the problem
The aim of the course is to acquire the basic concepts of simulation mechanical models utilizing the finite element method to solve them.

General Skills

Apply knowledge in practice
Retrieve, analyze and synthesize data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
Make decisions
Work autonomously
Work in teams
Work in an international context
Design and manage projects

Teaching Methods

Lectures, Exercises, Online guidance, Projected Presentations, E-mail communication, Online Synchronous and Asynchronous Teaching Platform (moodle). Laboratory Exercises in a laboratory area with the appropriate equipment. Practice and development of coursework using FEA software.

Students Evaluation

Assessment Language: English / Greek
Coursework in a finite element software, 40% on the final score.
Final written examination in the Theoretical Lectures, 60% of the total grade.

Recommended Bibliography

Book [11335]: Finite Elements Gkotsis K. Paschalis, Ziti Pelagia & Co., ISBN13: 9789604319527, 2013 (in Greek)
Book [12347118]: S. Moaveni, Finite Element Analysis: Theory and Application with ANSYS, 5th Edition, Pearson, ISBN: 0135212103, 2020