Finite Element Methods, Advanced Course (MSK540)

This is an advanced course to finite element methods with applications to problems in mechanical and structural engineering.


Course description for study year 2025-2026

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

Course code

MSK540

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Mathematical foundation, strong and weak formulation of the elasticity problem and general field problems. Shape functions, element and system matrices, mapped elements and numerical integration. Sources of errors, accuracy and adaptive methods. Application in 2 - and 3 dimensional theory of elasticity (plane stress and plane strain, axisymmetric stress analysis, solids, plate bending and shells) as well as heat conduction. Introduction to dynamic problems.  Finite element modelling. Use of general purpose finite element software.

Learning outcome

After completing the course the student should have:

  • An overall understanding of the finite element method and knowledge of the approaches made and possible sources of error

  • Be able to use the method to problems in elasticity theory and structural mechanics, both static and dynamic, and the general field problem such as heat conduction.

  • Be able to develop a code in MATLAB / CALFEM for analysis using the finite element method. Have experience using general purpose finite element software

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

BYG140 Structural Mechanics 1

Exam

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

Written exam with pen and paper. 

Coursework requirements

Tutorials

3 lab works (PC-lab) and 3 written assignments

All 3 lab works and 3 assignments must be approved in order to take the written exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Ove Kjetil Mikkelsen

Coordinator laboratory exercises:

Adugna Deressa Akessa

Head of Department:

Mona Wetrhus Minde

Method of work

4 hour  lectures and 2 hours tutorials per week. 

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Finite Element Methods, advanced course (MOM180_1) 10
Finite Element Methods, Advanced Course Part 1 (MSK545_1) 5

Open for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
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 should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto