Applied Mechanics of Structures

This module provides students with in-depth expertise on the analysis of the mechanical response of structures. Analytical and computational techniques are explained and applied. The module offers students the possibility to become applied mechanics specialists with the ability to use state-of-the-art computational tools and analytical tools across the structural engineering field. The module also prepares students to contribute to academic research that advances the limits of computational and analytical tools for analysis of the mechanical response of structures.

Monitoring en data science learning line: This module builds on the modelling and coding line from the MUDE, with Unit 1 focused exclusively on modelling and Unit 2 addressing a specific aspect of modelling of structures including python coding workshops. The broader theme of uncertainty is addressed in discussions of the reliability of different models.

Ethics learning line: Ethics is given attention in this module when the limits of different analysis approaches are discussed. From research perspective, being critical towards the accuracy and reliability of available methods and tools is a first step towards advancing their limits. In a pragmatic engineering environment, having the expertise to be critical of models may lead to moral dilemmas: What level of uncertainty about model reliability is acceptable? Having discussed the uncertainties of relatively high-fidelity models, what is a the good way to deal with even larger uncertainties of simpler modeling approaches? Moreover, ethical aspects of reporting in academia and engineering practice will be discussed in the module, such as acknowledgement of sources and fair representation of results.

Design: This module equips students to analyse the behaviour of materials, structures and structural elements. Analysis is an important aspect of the design cycle for civil engineering structures. Units Unit 1 and Unit 2 focus primarily on methods and their underlying formulation. Unit 3 is more applied in the sense that it provides insight in the mechanical response of structures. It will be illustrated with practical examples how this insight can be used in the design of structures. Pitfalls and best practices in structural design will be discussed in the light of the theory provided in the unit.

Unit 1 Computational modelling of structures:

Introduction to the use of the finite element method; Nonlinear finite element analysis of steel structures; Nonlinear finite element analysis of structures made of a quasi-brittle material; Application of the finite element method to solve engineering problems.

Unit 2 Advanced constitutive modelling:

Mathematical and mechanical preliminaries; Computational plasticity; Fracture models and continuum damage mechanics; Large deformation mechanics; Computational modelling of visco-elastic materials; Large deformation elasto-plasticity; Introduction to thermodynamics.

Unit 3 Advanced mechanics of structural elements:

Theory of elasticity: energy principles, closed form solutions and limitations; Theory of plasticity: frame analysis and plate analysis