Thomas Provencher
6/1/2015
MANE6960 Advanced Topics in Finite Elements
Questionnaire Answers
Use your web browser to visit the web page below and watch all the short videos therein so you
can answer the following questions.
http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/~ernesto/Su2015/ATFE/EGM-Videos/Course-Content-Policy/
1.- What is the objective of this course?
To deepen the student's understanding of the fundamentals of finite element methods and
to further develop his/her abilities to solve complex engineering problems in solid
mechanics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics and acoustics including non-linear effects.
2.- What are the expected learning outcomes of this course?
To develop skill in the effective utilization of finite element methods embedded in
existing computer programs for the formulation, solution, validation and verification of
approximate solutions of selected engineering problems in solid mechanics, heat transfer,
fluid dynamics and acoustics.
3.- Make a list of the topics that will be studied in this class.
Further development on key theoretical FEA concepts
Learn use in practical engineering problems in the following areas of study
 Solid Mechanics
 Heat transfer
 Fluid dynamics
 Electromagnetics
 Acoustics
Problem formulation and solution method selection criteria and validation
Application of Galerkin finite element formulation for multi-dimensional problems
4.- How will you and your instructor communicate in this class when not in contact face-to-face?
Extensive use of email, the course website, and/or Skype.
5.- Describe briefly the form in which course material will be covered and discussed week to
week.
Live video transmitted classes will be provided along with additional pre-recorded
videos. In-class computer exercises and assigned readings will also be provided and
required
6.- List the software requirements for this class and list those of which personal student version
copies are required by week 2.
Maple (required)
ANSYS (required)
MATLAB (optional)
ABAQUS (optional)
7.- Describe the expected contents and formats of the student’s web portfolios.
Class assignments and homework must be stored on the website. PDF files are preferred
but native MAPLE, MATLAB, COMSOL, ANSYS log files, and ABACUS inp files are
acceptable.
8.- Describe the type and frequency of submission of the required deliverables (homework
assignments) in this class.
Weekly deliverables will be assigned and at the very least the computer model and initial
results must be provided. A final report with data supporting the results of the computer
model will be required for each deliverable.
9.- List the three types of reading assignments for this class and list the texts that will be used.
Selected textbook sections
Selected technical papers/reports on individual class topics
Selected sections of software manuals
10.- Describe how will the student’s performance in this class be graded.
10 points are available for each modeling exercise. 90 pts will provide an A and 75
points a B.
11.- Write down and bookmark in your own personal computer the URL for the course webpage. Also add me to your contact list in Skype. My ID is ernesto.pedro.gutierrez.miravete.
Done
12.- Set up your RPI web portfolio page with a link to this class. Please contact me if you need
any assistance.
Done
13.- Navigate through and examine all the links in the class web page.
Done
14.- Watch the posted video on the Galerkin Finite Element Method
(http://mediasite.itops.rpi.edu/Mediasite5/Play/4d49d8af7771431b864559b33854da1a1d)
Write one sentence describing each step involved in the implementation of the method.
1. Variation (weak) form
Introduce “test” function and integrate it multiplied by double derivative of “u” using
integration by parts. Set this equal to the integral of the multiple of the test and forcing
funtions.
2. Finite element mesh and basis functions
Subdivide the domain into contiguous sections and use linear interpolation to establish
the basis functions.
3. Galerkin’s method
Represent the approximation to the problem as a linear combination of global finite
element basis functions and express the test function used to obtain the variational
formulation as an identity combination with the basis function
4. Solve system of algebraic equations
Place coefficients of the equations created by the Galerkin’s method into a square matrix
and an array and solve for the unknown “u” values
5. Quality of the approximate Solution
Evaluate difference between the exact solution and the Galerkin’s approximation and plot
if possible or evaluate the “energy of the error.”
15.- Read through Chapters 1 and 3 in Text Z-I (See Links link).
Done