Introduction of energy methods, strong and weak formulation for analysis of boundary value problems. Approximating functions for the finite element method. One, two and three dimensional isoparametric elements. Formulation of FEM equations for elasto static and thermal problems. Constraints, Convergence and accuracy. Solution of problems by use of commercial FEM programs.
SE1025 FEM for Engineering Applications 6.0 credits
This is a continuation course in solid mechanics, providing the basic knowledge in the finite element method (FEM). FEM has developed into one of the most important tools for modelling and simulation of engineering systems.
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Information for Autumn 2025 FEM Ing EN programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 25 Aug 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
- Periods
- P1 (6.0 hp)
- Pace of study
50%
- Application code
51595
- 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
Elective for all Master programmes and all Master of Science in Engineering programmes from year 3 as long as it can be included in your programme.
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SE1025 (Autumn 2007–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus SE1025 (Autumn 2007–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
The participant should after the course be able to:
- use the concept of stored elastic energy to analyze deformations and forces in elastic structures,
- identify the degrees of freedom and boundary conditions in a discrete elastic system and solve it using matrix methods,
- formulate the FE-equations using the weak form/principle of virtual work for problems that can be described by a differential equation and give a physical interpretation of the resulting components,
- use FEM to solve problems in solid mechanics, stationary heat conduction and other simple physical phenomena, limited to 1D or 2D,
- critically examine and evaluate the results from a FEM analysis and present these in a clear and correct fashion,
- use a commercially viable FEM-program to model and solve a problem in solid mechanics and a heat conduction problem and analyze the results.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Basic course in Solid mechanics SE1010, SE1020, SE1055 or the equivalent.
Recommended prerequisites
Calculus in One Variable, Calculus in Several Variable and Mechanics I or the equivalent courses.
Literature
G.R. Liu and S.S. Quek (2003) The Finite Element Method: A Practical Course. Butterworth-Heinman, Oxford
H. Lundh, Grundläggande Hållfasthetslära, KTH, Hållfasthetslära , 2013
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
- HEM1 - Home Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, - credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 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.
Other requirements for final grade
Written exam (TEN; 4,5 university credits)
Home assignments (HEM; 1,5 university credits)
Lab work (LAB; 0 university credits)
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
Technology
Education cycle
First cycle