- UCAS course code
- H301
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Structures 3 (Mechanical)
Unit code | MECH32002 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
• Highlights of Structures-1 and Structures-2 (Mech) course materials
• Theories of elasticity for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) problems
• Structural analysis using energy methods
• An introduction to linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)
• An introduction to fatigue analysis
• Plasticity and collapse
• An introduction to creep
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Structures 2 (Mechanical) | MECH21021 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Structures 1 (Mech) | CIVL10031 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
This unit aims to introduce students to further aspects of structural analysis as part of the design process, in particular, theories of elasticity, the energy methods, fatigue, linear elastic fracture mechanics, creep, plasticity and collapse.
Syllabus
The main components of the syllabus are:
- 1D, 2D and 3D constitutive equations for linear elastic, isotropic and homogeneous materials, principal and maximum shear stresses (3D), failure criteria, Mohr’s diagram (3D), plane stress and plane strain problems (2D), stress functions, solution by polynomials, Saint- Venant’s principle
- Energy methods and their limitations, strain energy and complementary energy, principles of virtual work, minimum potential energy, unit load method, finite elements based on energy methods , statically indeterminate structures, degree of redundancy
- Modes of crack tip deformation, stress intensity factor, fracture toughness, strain energy release rate, fatigue crack growth, power law
- High cycle fatigue, stress cycle, mean stress and stress range, safe range of stress, cumulative damage, Goodman diagram, fatigue crack growth, fatigue life estimation, S-N curve, fatigue limit and endurance ratio, Miner’s rule
- Elastic-plastic (E-P) behaviour of metallic materials, brittle and ductile materials, mechanics of plasticity and collapse for structures loaded beyond their elastic limit, E-P bending of beams and frames, E-P torsion of circular sections, residual stresses, limit analysis, lower and upper bound theorems
- Creep curve, primary, secondary and tertiary creeps, temperature and/or stress dependence, empirical representations of creep behaviour
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 80% |
Report | 15% |
Practical skills assessment | 5% |
Feedback methods
Exam via script viewing
Report - written feedback 3 weeks after submission
Computer assignment - written feedback 3 weeks after submission
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
eAssessment | 5 |
Lectures | 24 |
Practical classes & workshops | 2 |
Project supervision | 15 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 54 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Azam Tafreshi | Unit coordinator |