EML 5526 Finite Element Analysis and Applications PROJECT REPORT

The final project report should be a Word or PDF document that includes figures, tables, references etc. A format for the project report is given below.

Problem statement: Describe the problems you are solving and for each problem explain what simplifying

assumptions were made to reduce the real physical problem to a FEA model. Show a sketch of your model

and describe your assumptions, applied loads, boundary conditions and material properties.

Description: You have to demonstrate in this section that you understand the physics and the meaning of

your model, and all the parameters / constants used in your FEA model. Describe the different types of

analysis models and elements you can use for this problem and why. List the name of the elements that you

used for the analysis, how you plan to verify the accuracy of the solution. Show pictures of the mesh with

applied loads and BCs for each type of analysis you have done (example, beam model/plane stress/3D/shell

etc.).

Results: Present your results in an easy-to-read form, for example, using tables and graphs wherever

possible. Turn in plots showing relevant results that help you convey important aspects of the solution.

Explain and justify the results obtained. Compare solutions from different finite element models (different

mesh densities/element types etc). Explain how you know your answer has converged?

Conclusions and Discussion: Provide a brief conclusion with a discussion of insights gained during the

project. Part of your grades for the project will depend on demonstrating that you learned something about

FEM (or at least the elements you used) from the project and that you fully understand the models and

solution you obtained. Try to answer questions like: Which type of analysis / elements is the most

appropriate for the problem and why? When is 1D better than 2D or 2D better than 3D etc.? Which

elements converge faster (with respect to number of nodes or equations to be solved) and which one takes

less computation time? Compare results obtained using different element.

NOTE: Your report should be submitted as a PDF file. Input files for your models should be also submitted

separately.