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SD2411 Lightweight Structures and FEM 8.0 credits

Foundations of structural mechanics, analysis of thin-walled stiffened shells, plates, stability theory and introduction to finite element methods.

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Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students

Application code

50888

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SD2411 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Analysis of structural elements and design methods for lightweight structures. Introduction to the finite element method. Bending, shear, torsion and warping of open and closed thin-walled beams, with and without stiffeners. Kirchhoff plate theory. Local and global instability of beams and thin plates.

Intended learning outcomes

 The course will give the student basic knowledge of the structural behaviour of beams, plates and shells, and the analysis and design of these types of structures, specifically, strength, stiffness, and weight issues for unstiffened and stiffened thin-walled structures.

After the course the student should be able to

  • explain the function and application of different structural elements in lightweight structures
  • from a given problem statement, chose an appropriate lightweight structural element with respect to functionality and weight
  • analyse and design thin-walled beams and stiffened shells with respect to strength, stiffness and structural stability
  • comfortably work with concepts from basic courses in solid mechanics, such as centre of gravity and moments of inertia, as well as more advanced concepts introduced in this course, such as shear flow, warping and different buckling mechanisms
  • describe the principles of finite element codes and use them for analysis of basic structural elements
  • write a small finite element code in MatLab and use it to analyse beam problems
  • explain discrepancies in results from different analytical methods through knowledge about the different approximations they involve

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

Calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, solid mechanics, strength of materials and basic computer programming skills. Some previous experience of FEM and Matlab programming is also beneficial but not formally required.

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • LAB2 - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

•  LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grade scale: P, F

•  LAB2 - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grade scale: P, F

•  TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Other requirements for final grade

Written exam (TEN1; 4 credits), computer assignments (ÖVN1 and ÖVN2; 2+2 credits).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

This course does not belong to any Main field of study.

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

SD2413 Fibre Composites – Analysis and Design

SD2416 Structural Optimisation and Sandwich Design

SD2432 Lightweight Design

Contact

Stefan Hallström, stefanha@kth.se, tel. 070-349 6440