This course introduces the common sources of nonlinearity in engineering mechanics and develops analysis techniques to solve nonlinear structural engineering problems.

2 lectures per week.

None

None

75% Written Exam

25% Project Output (Other than dissertation)

This course aims to introduce students to the main sources of nonlinearity in engineering mechanics (material and geometric) and analysis techniques for solving nonlinear structural engineering problems.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ undertake a Finite Element Analysis involving either material or geometric nonlinearity;

■ utilise appropriate solution strategies to undertake a robust analysis and achieve an accurate solution;

■ critically assess results of a nonlinear finite element analysis;

■ apply advanced continuum mechanics descriptions to nonlinear structural engineering problems.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.

Students should attend at least 75% of the timetabled classes of the course.

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates.  Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.