2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Engineering Undergraduate major in Mechanical Engineering
Finite Element Analysis
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Mechanical Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Wakako Araki
- Class Format
- Lecture/Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed (I1-256(I121))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- MEC.K332
- Number of credits
- 0.50.50
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jun 5, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
[Description]
This course provides lectures on a fundamental theory of finite element method and practical exercises of finite element analysis using computers.
[Aims]
This course aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of finite element method and simulation technique.
Course description and aims
Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to understand basic theories and practical simulation techniques of finite-element method required for solving elastic problems, by understanding modelling method, boundary conditions, precision of analysis, and evaluation method.
Keywords
Theory of elasticity; Stiffness matrix; Numerical simulation.
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Each class consists of lecture and simulation exercise. Reports will be assigned as appropriate.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction of finite element method; Introduction of FEM software for exercise | To understand the basic idea of FEM. |
| Class 2 | Spring models; Simple FEM simulation | To understand the concept of stiffness matrix by using spring models. |
| Class 3 | Truss structures | To understand numerical solution of truss structures. |
| Class 4 | 2D problems (Theory of elasticity); Bending of cantilever beam | To understand numerical solution of 2D problem. |
| Class 5 | 2D problems; Four-point bending of beam | To understand numerical solution of 2D problem. |
| Class 6 | Numerical simulation (Advanced); Plate with a hole under tensile stress | To understand advanced topics required for actual FEM simulation. |
| Class 7 | Modal analysis; Beam vibration | To understand modal analysis by FEM. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class. They should do so by referring to course materials.
Textbook(s)
Materials will be provided in the class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Introduction of finite element method (Toshiro Miyoshi, Baifukan)
Evaluation methods and criteria
To be evaluated based on reports (60%) and final exercise (40%).
Related courses
- MEC.B213 ： Partial Differential Equations
- MEC.C201 ： Mechanics of Materials
- MEC.A201 ： Engineering Mechanics
- MEC.B214 ： Vector Analysis
- LAS.M102 ： Linear Algebra I / Recitation
- LAS.M106 ： Linear Algebra II
Prerequisites
Linear Algebra I&II, Mechanics of Materials A, Engineering Mechanics, Partial Differential Equations, Vector Analysis.
Basic knowledge of continuum mechanics as well as vector and tensor analysis are required.
Other
A laptop (Windows, 64 bit) is required in the class.