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.
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.
Information per course offering
Information for Autumn 2024 Start 26 Aug 2024 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 26 Aug 2024 - 13 Jan 2025
- Periods
- P1 (2.0 hp), P2 (6.0 hp)
- Pace of study
25%
- Application code
50888
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
Open for:
CDEPR, CMAST, CMATD, CFATE, CTFYS årskurs 3.
TAEEM, TFORM, TMRSM, TTEMM, TMEGM, TIPUM, TIPDM as long as it can be included in your program.
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
Contact
Stefan Hallström, stefanha@kth.se, tel. 070-349 6440
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SD2411 (Spring 2022–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
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
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
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
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
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
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
SD2413 Fibre Composites – Analysis and Design
SD2416 Structural Optimisation and Sandwich Design
SD2432 Lightweight Design