Assignments

Labs

Lab 1	Lab 2	Lab 3	Lab 4
Lab 5	Lab 6	Lab 7	Lab 8

Summarize the primary differences between the mathematical FEM and the physical FEM.

The manual mentions a number of approaches to the discretization of space, in addition to the FEM.

Provide a summary (Internet search or other references will be required) of the following approaches.

Include a little history of the method and the basic ideas, along with some strengths and weaknesses.

Boundary Element

Finite Difference

Finite Volume

Spectral

Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics

Due: 1-23

End:

Solution

Chapter 1 provided an introduction to the FEM.

Chapter 2 discussed breakdown (disconnection, localization, and member or element

formation).

Chapter 3 covers the next step which is assembly and solution.

For the first problem we will use the article at

http://www.mne.ksu.edu/~swenson/Courses/ME862/Lectures/lect01.pdf (hard copy

also provided)

Part 1: Explain the logic behind Equation 1:3

Part 2: On page 6, the author returns to element 1 and states that it is tricky

because one of its nodes corresponds to a known zero displacement. Why

is this tricky?

Part 3: Summarize how you obtain Equation 1:17 from Equation 1:16.

Part 4: Equation 1:18 can be solved using a numerical method. Choose one and

provide rationale for its selection (as opposed to some others).

Part 5: Write code for and solve equation 1:18 using the numerical method

identified in part 4 above.

Due: 2-6

End:

Solution

Part a: Chapter 1, Exercise 1.3

Part b: Chapter 3, Exercise 3.7

Due: 4-2

End:

Solution

Turn in the FE work you have done for Science Fair

Provide sufficient documentation for the code

Turn in a copy of all material for the Science Fair notebook. It should include rationale for

approaches taken.