Modélisation et simulation par éléments finis

Welcome to the Finite Element Modelling and Simulation course!

This Moodle is structured in 3 modules, based on different topics and in chronological order.

For an Introduction to the course, including its structure, planning and the rules for the mini-project, please have a look at the introduction module.

The course takes place on Wednesdays at 11:15, in room CE 1 2.

The exercise session and mini-project session take place after the course. You will be divided into 3 groups, initially by alphabetical order (weeks 1-4), and later (weeks 5 onward) by mini-project groups (see the list below):

• Group A: in CO 260
• Group B: in CM 1 110
  
• Group C: in CM 1 112
  

Access to Abaqus 

1. Connect to http://vdi.epfl.ch

2. For better performance install the VMWare Horizon client from that page. If you prefer simplicity, just use the Web virtual desktop client on that page. Both work normally.

3. If you have installed VMWare Horizon, launch it and click "New Server" to add the server "vdi.epfl.ch". Double click on that server in the list to start your connection.

4. Enter your EPFL login and password (both Web and Horizon client)

5. Click on the Virtual Machine "STI-Windows 10"

6. IMPORTANT: at the end of your session, make sure to LOG OUT! 

The simplest option in VMWare Horizon Client is to press "Send Ctrl-Alt-Del" and then click Sign-out.

In the web interface, click on the Windows Start Menu and then click on the User icon (5th icon from bottom) => Sign-out

Do not close the virtual machine window before logging out, otherwise it will remain active in the background and use valuable resources in the meantime!

Module 1 covers the first weeks of the course, where we have an overview of the contents and planning of the semester, as well as a first introduction to the FE theory in linear statics and a first video tutorial on Abaqus CAE.

Module 2 is a step-by-step guide to learn how to perform a FE analysis correctly, i.e how to choose the right type of elements and mesh size, how to model different material behaviours, how to deal with symmetries, how to model boundary conditions and assemblies of several parts, and finally how to extract pertinent results. 

Modules 3 focuses on realistic FE studies in order to establish a rigorous analysis methodology. This part of the course is also a preparation for the mini-project closure. 

This section is dedicated to the mini-project of this course.

For a description and the rules, see the introduction presentation.

Mini-project description

The mini-project description (2-3 slides according to template below), must be returned by the end of week 4. Please only upload one file per group. Mention the project title, group number, and names of the team members. To send the description, use the submission link below.

Mini-project reports

The mini-project reports must be submitted by the end of week 14 (Friday, May 30th).  Please upload only one PDF document per group.

Information to get ready for the exam.

Exam will take place on June 21st in CM1103 & CM1110, in two sessions, 8h15 - 12h15 for the 1st group and 13h15 - 17h15 for the 2nd group.

The exam consists in performing a case study similar to ex7 or ex8 and write a report documenting the modeling assumptions and results. You will receive the geometry and the description of the problem, load case & analysis criteria as well as a canvas report in which some sections are already filled. You will have the right to access any document, book, notes or any source of information online but EXCEPT interactive media (phone, sms, email, chat, facebook and so on).

Activity on the computer & network will be monitored and special means have been established to detect cheats and file copy between students ...

Grading will be based on the report only! However, simulations files will be collected as well in order to keep a trace of your actual work in case of complaints or suspicions from my side. The final grade will consist approximately to:

• 25% modeling assumptions (including symmetries, rigid body motions and boundary conditions)
• 25% discretization and mesh convergence study
• 25% post processing and results
• 25% evaluation of design criteria, discussion and conclusion

The list of groups will be established later and published below.

In this section you will find the screen recordings + audio of the class given in 2020 (recorded videoconference sessions) as well as old videos of the class in 2016.