Electrical Engineering Technology
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINNERING TECHNOLOGY
ENT 355
INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
3
Course Number
Title
Credit hours
DESCRIPTION: An application of the basic concepts of finite element modeling and analysis to various types
of engineering technology problems including structural and machine component analysis, conduction and
convection heat-transfer analysis, and fluid mechanics analysis. Selected analytical aspects of finite element
analysis are introduced throughout the course without becoming too theoretical. ANSYS® computer software
is an integral part of the course and is used within the laboratory portion.
PREREQUISITES:
ENT 333
TEXT MATERIAL:
Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis, by David V. Hutton, ISBN 0-390-62392-X
ANSYS Workbench Tutorials – ANSYS Release 11, by Kent L. Lawrence, ISBN 1585033979
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
Upon Completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Apply the basic concepts of finite element modeling to the creation of approximate discretized
physical models.
2. Apply the basic concepts of finite element analysis to constrained discretized physical models in
order to obtain the solutions of various types of engineering technology problems.
3. Apply hand-computational procedures to the solution of simple problems.
4. Apply computer analysis software to the solution of more complex problems.
5. Understand ways that results of various analyses may be checked for validity.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Outcome 6 Knowledge of modern computer-aided engineering analysis and design that is essential to the
design of machines and mechanical systems
Outcome 10 Mathematical and physical science skills necessary for the successful application of
engineering concepts to design projects
TOPICAL OUTILINE:
Week
Chapter
Description
Lab Assignments
General Introduction and Basic
1 - 4
1
Introduction to ANSYS
concepts of the FEM
Stiffness matrices, spring and bar
Structural Analysis and
5 - 8
2
elements
Advanced Results Processing
9
Spring Break
10 - 13
Thermal Analysis
Truss structures: The direct stiffness
3
method
Vibration Analysis, Linear Buckling, and
14 - 16
Fatigue
17
Final Exam
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Grading Distribution:
The following is the distribution of credit for the required tasks:
Homework (Written + Simulations)
15%
Mid-Term Written Test
10%
Simulation Tests (Five)
50%
Final Exam (Written + Simulations)
25%
Ethics and Academic Conduct
It is expected that all members of the Department of Engineering Technology (faculty, staff and students) will
adhere to the highest ethical standards in all matters. The Department endorses the Code of Ethics for
Engineers proposed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (http://www.nspe.org/ethics/eh1-
code.asp) and strongly defends the rights and responsibilities that accompany academic freedom which are at
the heart of the intellectual integrity of Miami University.
It is expected that students will actively conduct themselves in an ethical fashion, for example, by only
possessing and using materials authorized by the instructor during examinations, submitting assignments
which are the student’s original work (carefully referencing sources of information), protecting the integrity of
assignments by adhering to prescribed procedures, and carefully utilizing the University’s educational
resources of materials and equipment.
Any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the institution or subvert the educational
process is defined as academic misconduct. Cheating and other forms of academic misconduct undermine
the value of a Miami education for everyone, especially for the person who cheats.
The ENT department regards the adhering to academic ethical standards as a very serious issue and will
follow the procedures and penalties for academic misconduct (dishonesty) as prescribed in Part V of The
Student Handbook, pp. 10-12.
Miami University Learning Community
Miami University is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment for all students irrespective of
individual differences in gender, race, national origin, religion, handicapping condition, sexual preference, or
age. Students should expect, and help create, a learning environment free from all forms of prejudice.
Disparaging comments, sexist or racist humor, or questioning the academic commitment of students based
upon these individual differences are behaviors that undermine our learning community. If such behaviors
occur in class, please seek the assistance of your instructor or department chair.
University Statement Asserting Respect for Human Diversity
Miami University is a multicultural community of diverse racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds, national origins,
religious and political beliefs, physical abilities, ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Our educational
activities and everyday interactions are enriched by our acceptance of one another; and, as members of the
University community, we strive to learn from each other in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual
respect.
Because of the necessity to maintain this atmosphere, bigotry will not go unchallenged within this community.
We will strive to educate each other on the existence and effects of racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia,
religious intolerance, and other forms of invidious prejudice. When such prejudice results in physical or
psychological abuse, harassment, intimidation, or violence against persons or property, we will not tolerate
such behavior nor will we accept jest, ignorance, or substance abuse as an excuse, reason, or rationale for it.
All who work, live, study, and teach in the Miami community should be committed to these principles which are
an integral part of Miami’s focus, goals, and mission.
Prepared by: Vipul Ranatunga
Revised Date: February 7, 2009
