Finite Element Analysis and Materials Modelling

What you will learn

On successful completion of this short course you will:

• Have a basic understanding of Finite Element analysis and its use
• Be aware of the considerations required for applying the method to the modelling of components, and the limitations associated with the use of Finite Element modelling
• Have a basic knowledge of how to interpret results obtained from Finite Element analysis
• Be able to operate a standard Finite Element analysis package to solve linear elastic stress analysis, non-linear stress analysis and field problems
• Be aware of the range of commercial Finite Element analysis codes available
• Have an understanding of the role of finite element analysis in component design/optimisation; be aware of possibilities offered by materials modelling and its potential uses.

Core content

• Introduction: General overview of the technique, pre-processing, solution and post-processing, basic terminology, range of applications, basic introduction to materials modelling. Pre-processing: Introduction to IDEAS, introduction to MSC.Patran, connectivity between different packages
• FE for linear elasticity: element types (bars, beams, 2D, 3D, shell elements), one-and multi-dimensional analysis, meshing, symmetry, model development in MSC.Patran, application of boundary conditions, solution in MSC.Nastran/Marc
• FE for field problems: analysis of heat transfer problems, equivalence with other field problems, convergence, boundary conditions, model development and solution for field problems in MSC.Patran/Nastran/Marc
• FE for advanced analysis: geometric non-linearity, material non-linearity, contact problems, FE for dynamic problems, explicit solution using PAMCRASH, non-linear modelling using MSC.Patran/Nastran/Marc
• Materials modelling: Ab initio modeling, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation, phase diagrams, diffusion-kinetics-microstructure
• Application of finite element analysis to design: optimisation using FE, model uncertainty, variability and Monte Carlo simulation. Typical application areas include aerospace, automotive, impact, composites.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

Cranfield credits are available for this short course which you can put towards selected Cranfield degrees. Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

Those with a good engineering or science background, preferably to degree or HND level, who wish to develop their knowledge of Finite Element Analysis.

Speakers

Dr Muhammad Khan
Dr Alex Skordos
Dr Renaud Jourdain
Dr Xavier Tonnellier
Dr Jorn Mehnen
Dr Francisco de Paula Montero Chacón (external speaker)

For more information on this course, please contact the Course Director, Dr Muhammad Khan, on  +44 (0) 1234 754788 or email Muhammad.A.Khan@cranfield.ac.uk

Concessions

20% discount for Cranfield Alumni. 
10% discount when registering 3 or more delegates, from the same organisation at the same time.  

Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. Please ask about our discount scheme at time of booking.

Accommodation options and prices

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