Basics of FEM

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to describe the fundamental principles of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and explain its role among numerical methods for solving engineering problems. They will be able to formulate the basic steps involved in developing a finite element model, select appropriate element types, material models, boundary conditions, and loading for simple linear static analyses. Students will be able to apply fundamental modelling procedures using commercial finite element software, perform numerical analyses, interpret the obtained results, and evaluate their correctness with respect to the quality of the computational model, mesh discretization, and the assumptions adopted in the analysis. Furthermore, they will be able to identify the main sources of numerical errors and propose appropriate modifications to improve the reliability of the computational model and its results. Students will also be able to distinguish between the basic types of nonlinearities (geometric, material, and contact), explain their influence on structural behaviour, and assess when a linear analysis is no longer sufficient to accurately represent the behaviour of an engineering problem.