ME 154 Course Information

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Midterm exam, Thursday, 8 May Covers Ch. 1 through Ch. 5. Closed book, closed notes Three problems (75 min.) 1. Write the energy for a system and use M.P.E. principle 2. F.E. modeling of a structure 3. Shape functions Problems are in same style as hmwk problems. Know the moment-curvature equation for a beam. Still accepting bluebooks.

Homework assignments #5 and #6 are due Friday, May 16, 5 pm.

Instructor:	Dr. Theodore A. Shugar Note: Office for the remaining of the quarter is ENGR II, Room 2332. (805) 893-8501 tshugar@engineering.ucsb.edu Office Hours: T/Th 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Lecture Time:	T/Th 12:30 - 1:45 pm 1001 LSB (Life Sciences)
Discussion Labs:	The following discussion labs are held in Phelps 1526: Tue 6:00 - 6:50 and 7:00-7:50 pm (Andri) Wed 6:00 - 6:50 pm (Mark) Thu 6:00 - 6:50 (Nick) (Nick's Thu 7pm lab has been cancelled)
TAs:	Andri Bezzola ab@engineering.ucsb.edu Mon 5:00-6:00 pm, Wed 6:00-8:00 pm & Thu 2:00-4:00 pm CAD Lab Nick Reese ntreese@engineering.ucsb.edu Tue 3:00-6:00 pm & Wed 2:00-5:00 pm CAD Lab Mark Hongo mhongo@engineering.ucsb.edu Thur 6:00-8:00 pm & Wed 1:00-3:00 pm CAD Lab (Note: Mark's Mon 1-4 office hours have been cancelled)
Prerequisites:	ME 15 Strength of Materials and ME 16 Dynamics Course open to ME Juniors and Seniors in good standing.
Course Reader:	"ME 154 Design and Analysis of Structures with ABAQUS/CAE Revision 3" by Theodore A. Shugar and William S. Klug (Required; available at UCSB Bookstore.)
Course Grade:	Homework 1/2; Midterm exam 1/4; Final exam 1/4

Course Policy

Assignments are listed in the Course Schedule, which may be downloaded from the Course Website. Problem sets and ABAQUS/CAE Tutorials are in the Course Reader. There are four problems due each week. Usually they include a design problem that is keyed to a Tutorial.

Assignments are due in the ME 154 drop box outside the CADLab on Thursdays close of business at 5 PM of the following week. No homework can be accepted after solutions are posted to the Course Website, usually Thursday evenings.

Examinations will be written in large format examination books. Please supply two of these, without your names on them, to the instructor or TA's before midterm exam week. Inability to take examinations as scheduled or missed examinations creates an especially complicating situation. Only when there is a valid reason should the student arrange with the instructor for a makeup examination.

Course Description

The finite element method is a basic tool for structural analysis and design in mechanical engineering. In this course students are exposed to finite element technology during which they learn concepts of stress analysis not treated in mechanics of materials courses. Theoretical aspects of the finite element method are covered in sufficient measure to understand and critique finite element solutions. These solutions are obtained in the CADLab, where students develop skills in applying state-of-the-art industrial, finite element software to structural analysis and design. 

Course Objectives

1. Students learn the basics of the potential energy, matrix displacement, and finite
element methods for structural analysis and design. Students learn how to:
2. Formulate simple finite element stiffness and load matrices using energy principles.
3. Assemble structure matrices satisfying equilibrium and displacement compatibility.
4. Analyze basic determinate and indeterminate structures.
5. Apply industrial finite element software supporting structural analysis and design.

Topics Covered

1. Fundamental principles underlying the finite element method of structural analysis.
2. Truss structures.
3. Beam and frame structures.
4. The finite element method for stress analysis.
5. Heat transfer and stress analysis with one-dimensional solid elements.
6. Plane stress and plane strain analyses of plates with two-dimensional solid elements.
7. Stress analysis of solids with three-dimensional solid elements.
8. Application of state-of-the-art industrial finite element software.

Credit units of class/laboratory Schedule

3 units, 3.5 hrs/wk contact.

Course Assignments and Exams

Weekly homework assignments include problems on theoretical and numerical concepts
of the finite element method. Approximately 36 problems are assigned during the course.
Of these, approximately 18 require application of industrial finite element technology for
structural analysis and design.

Midterm examination - three problems
Final examination - five problems

Professional Component

3 units engineering topics

Course Outcomes

1. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering.
2. Ability to construct a finite element model and interpret results.
3. Ability to design structural components.
4. Ability to identify, formulate, and solve structural engineering problems.

Relationship to Program Objectives

1. Prepare students to succeed in a professional environment and become successful
mechanical engineers and competitive graduate students.
2. Strengthen the analytical and modeling skills of the students.