This course brings together theoretical and computational stress analysis through Finite Element simulations, allowing delegates to appreciate how the two disciplines interact in practice and what their strengths and limitations are.

The examination of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for various practical applications (eg engineering components, composite structures, rotating disks, cracked geometries) in conjunction with relevant case studies will allow delegates to combine theoretical understanding with practical experience in order to develop their skills to model and analyse complex engineering problems.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • Please enquire for course dates
  • DurationFive days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£1,500. The course fee includes refreshments and lunch during the day. Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately. Concessions available

Course structure

Lectures, Practical Finite Element Tutorial sessions in PC lab, Lab tours.

What you will learn

On successful completion of this short course you will be able to:

  • Develop a strong foundation on stress analysis and demonstrate the ability to analyse a range of structural problems,
  • Explain the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis, be able to evaluate methodologies applied to the analysis of structural members (beams, plates, shells, struts), and critically evaluate the applicability and limitations of the methods and the ability to make use of original thought and judgement when approaching structural analysis,
  • Provide an in-depth explanation of current practice through case studies of engineering problems,
  • Use the most widely applied commercial finite element software package (ABAQUS) and some of its advanced functionalities,
  • Evaluate the importance of mesh sensitivity in finite element simulations.

Core content

Stress Analysis: Introduction to stress analysis of components and structures, Ductile and brittle materials, Tensile data analysis, Material properties, Isotropic/kinematic hardening, Dynamic strain aging, Complex stress and strain, Stress and strain transformation, Principal stresses, Maximum shear stress, Mohr’s circle, Constitutive stress-strain equations, Fracture and yield criteria, Constraint and triaxiality effects, Plane stress and plane strain conditions, Thin walled cylinder theory, Thick walled cylinder theory (Lame Equations), Compound cylinders, Plastic deformation of cylinders, Introduction to computational stress analysis.

Finite Element Analysis: Introduction to FEA, Types of elements, Integration points, Meshing, Mesh convergence, Visualisation, Results interpretation, Beam structures under static and dynamic loading, Stress concentration in steel and composite plates, Tubular assemblies, 2D and 3D modelling of solid structures, Axisymmetry and symmetry boundary conditions, CS1: Stress and strain variation in a pressure vessel subjected to different loading conditions, CS2: Prediction and validation of the stress and strain fields ahead of the crack tip (case studies are indicative).

Who should attend

Those involved in the design and analysis of engineering components and structures, structural engineers, pipeline engineers, PhD students and Post-docs who are working on FEA related projects.

Speakers

Dr Ali Mehmanparast - Lecturer in Structural Integrity

Concessions

10% reduced fee:

  • multiple bookings
  • Cranfield Alumni
  • if booked 8 weeks before the start of the course
  • multiple bookings.

50% reduced fee for:

  • PhD students
  • Post-docs.

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.