Outline

Overview

This unit aims to teach fundamentals of modern numerical and analytical techniques for evaluating stresses, strains, deformations and strengths of representative aerospace structures. In particular the focus is on developing an understanding of: Fundamental concepts and formulations of the finite element methods for basic structural analysis; Elements for typical aerospace structures- such as beams/frames, plates/shells, and their applications and limitations; Finite element techniques for various types of problems pertinent to aerospace structures; and developing hands-on experience of using selected commercial finite element analysis program. At the end of this unit of study the following will have been covered: Introduction to Finite Element Method for modern structural and stress analysis; One-dimensional rod elements; Generalization of FEM for elasticity; Two- and three-dimensional trusses; FEA for beams and frames in 2D and 3D; Two-dimensional problems using constant strain triangular elements; The two-dimensional isoparametric elements; Plates and shells elements and their applications; FEA for axisymmetric shells and pressure vessels, shells of revolution; FEA for axisymmetric solids subjected to axi-symmetric loading; FEA for structural dynamics, eigenvalue analysis, modal response, transient response; Finite element analysis for stress stiffening and buckling of beams, plates and shells; Three-dimensional problems in stress analysis; Extensions to the element library, higher order elements, special elements; Constraints; FEA modeling strategy; FEA for heat conduction; FEA for non-linear material and geometric analysis.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AERO4360 or AERO5360
Assumed knowledge ?	AERO9360 or AERO8360 or MECH9361 or MECH8361. Linear algebra, calculus and partial differential equations, basic knowledge in solid mechanics 1 (AERO2301), basic knowledge in elasticity
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Liyong Tong, liyong.tong@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Liyong Tong, liyong.tong@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam open book exam	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Multiple online assignments Solving multiple questions via detailed hand-written working analyses.	20%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	weekly lab projects and in-class marking assessments marked off during lab week 2-13	15%	Multiple weeks	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class quiz open book quiz	5%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 10:50	45 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Major modelling project report Submitted working report.	20%	Week 13 Due date: 23 May 2024 at 23:59	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assignments: A penalty will be applied for late submission. Standard late penalty applies as outlined in Assessment Procedures 2011.
Lab projects and report: There will be 11 example problems in total to be solved using STRAND7, ANSYS and/or NASTRAN. These will be undertaken in groups of two and marked jointly. All students are requested to attend and perform finite element analysis for the selected example problems.
Quizzes: Each quiz will be closed-book and held during lecture hour.
Major modelling project report: Each report should have problem statement, finite element modelling scheme, results and discussion, and concluding remarks. The report should be concise, informative and no mare than 15 pages including figures, tables, and references.
Final exam: This will be a closed-book exam. A student must get 40% in the final exam to pass the unit, regardless of the sum of his/her individual marks.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Standard late penalty applies as outlined in Assessment Procedures 2011.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Course profile, introduction to FEM for modern structural and stress analysis; 2. One-dimensional rod elements	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	1. Course profile, introduction to FEM for modern structural and stress analysis; 2. One-dimensional rod elements	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 02	1. Generalization of FEM for elasticity; 2. Two- and three-dimensional trusses	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	1. Generalization of FEM for elasticity; 2. Two- and three-dimensional trusses	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 03	FEA for beams and frames in 2D and 3D	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	FEA for beams and frames in 2D and 3D	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 04	Two-dimensional problems using constant strain triangular elements	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 04	Two-dimensional problems using constant strain triangular elements	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 05	Two-dimensional isoparametric elements	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 05	Two-dimensional isoparametric elements	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 06	Two-dimensional isoparametric elements	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 06	Two-dimensional isoparametric elements	Independent study (5 hr)
Week 07	Plate and shell elements and applications	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 07	Plate and shell elements and applications	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 08	1. Axisymmetric solids subjected to axisymmetric loading; 2. FEA for axisymmetric shells and pressure vessels	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 08	1. Axisymmetric solids subjected to axisymmetric loading; 2. FEA for axisymmetric shells and pressure vessels	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 09	1. Finite element methods for structural dynamics, eigenvalue analysis, modal response, transient response; 2. Fundamental concepts in structural dynamics, vibration of beams and plates	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 09	1. Finite element methods for structural dynamics, eigenvalue analysis, modal response, transient response; 2. Fundamental concepts in structural dynamics, vibration of beams and plates	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 10	FEA for stress stiffening and buckling	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 10	FEA for stress stiffening and buckling	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 11	1. Three-dimensional problems in stress analysis; 2. Natural coordinates systems & extensions to the element library, higher order elements	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 11	1. Three-dimensional problems in stress analysis; 2. Natural coordinates systems & extensions to the element library, higher order elements	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 12	Constraints, and FEA modeling strategy	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 12	Constraints, and FEA modeling strategy	Independent study (6 hr)
Week 13	1. FEA for non-linear material and geometric analysis; 2. Summary	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 13	1. FEA for non-linear material and geometric analysis; 2. Summary	Independent study (6 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, R. D. Cook, D. S. Malkus and M. E. Plesha, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1989
Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering, T.R. Chandrupatla and A.D. Belegundu, 2nd edition, Prentice Hall, 1997

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. work on a project with a team member, this includes rationally selecting a project, developing modeling details, interpreting results and writing professional report
LO2. interpret, justify and communicate the numerical results in a professional manner
LO3. use selected commercial FEA package and gain hands-on experience, including developing modeling strategy and debugging
LO4. understand fundamental concepts of finite element methods
LO5. understand and be able to derive shape functions, stiffness matrices and equivalent load vectors for selected element
LO6. assemble the global stiffness matrix and global equivalent load vector
LO7. understand the difference of elements and their application scopes and limitations
LO8. use different solvers to solve different types of structure problems, including aerospace structures.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The weighting of each weekly assignment will be adjusted.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

AERO9301: Applied Finite Element Analysis

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect