GEM 425E - Mechanics of Marine Structures

Course Objectives

1 - Discussion of the state and importance of mathematical modeling and numerical solution techniques in engineering applications
2 - Introduction of the characteristics and fundamental steps of the finite element method
3 - Establishment of finite element formulation of structural mechanics problems by using the minimum total potential energy principle
4 - Application of the finite element method to one dimensional structural systems
5 - Introduction of a commercial finite element software and its application to one dimensional structural problems

Course Description

Mathematical and numerical modeling of physical processes, A general introduction to the Finite Element Method: Fundamental steps, Application of the Finite Element Method to simple structural systems: Direct approach, Review of the fundamental equations of linear elasticity and mechanical behavior of one dimensional(1-D) structural systems, Finite element formulation of structural mechanics problems by using the minimum total potential energy principle, Variational formulation of differential equations and its relation with finite element analysis, Characteristics of the Finite Element Method: Primary and secondary variables, interpolation functions, convergence, Finite element analysis of 1-D structural systems: Bars, shafts, beams and frames, An example of commercial finite element softwares: Ansys, Application of Ansys to 1-D structural problems, Application of a symbolic mathematical solver (Mathematica) for linear algebra problems.