Mechanics of Solids, Advanced Course (MSK530)

MSK530 deals with the methods of structural design and strength of materials. The provided theoretical tools of the stress and strain theory, constitutive equations, inelastic response and yield criteria, beam theory, energy methods, Airy’s stress functions, thick wall cylinders, contact stresses, flat plates, and stability provide the necessary knowledge for estimating the performance of materials and structures under mechanical loading.  Methods of assessment of the safety margins of complex structures and implementation of the theory on representative cases are described. Design of mechanical and civil engineering structures like wind turbines, buildings, bridges, oil rigs and marine structures, automotive and robotic structures is based on the principles of the mechanics of solids


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

MSK530

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Stress and strain in three dimensions. Tensor notation, Fundamentals of linear elasticity theory. Generalized Hooke's law. Stress function solutions in two-dimensional stress and strain problems. Energy methods (Principle of stationary potential energy, Castigliano's theorem). Contact stresses. Introduction to plasticity theory; yield criteria, flow rules, hardening, residual stresses. Advanced beam theory. Torsion. Axially symmetric deformation of pressure vessels, plates and axisymmetric shells. Plate theory. Stress concentrations. Elastic stability of columns and plates. Crack propagation and Stress Intensity Factor. 

Learning outcome

After completing this course the students will:

  • Be able to carry out stress and strain analyses of different load bearing elements and/or constructions
  • Understand the response of individual elements to the applied loads in both elastic and plastic regime and after unloading
  • Be able to dimension various elements of constructions subjected to a wide range of loading conditions
  • Be able to apply the knowledge on calculation of real constructions

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades Basic calculator

Coursework requirements

Mandatory exercises, 2/3 must be approved before taking the exam

9 mandatory exercises, 2/3 must be approved within the given deadlines, before taking the exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Dimitrios Pavlou

Head of Department:

Mona Wetrhus Minde

Method of work

6 hours lectures each week. Compulsory assignments. 

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Mechanics of Solids, advanced course (MOM130_1) 10

Open for

Structural and Mechanical Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme Marine and Offshore Technology - Master of Science Degree Programme
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Admission requirements

Must meet the admission requirements of one of the study programmes the course is open for.

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue will be held in all courses or in selected groups of courses. The aim is to collect student feedback for improvements during the semester. In addition, a digital course evaluation must be conducted at least every three years to gather students’ experiences.

Literature

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