Computational Engineering - 2019 entry

Computers can use numerical methods and algorithyms to analyse and solve problems, including fluid flows - fluids in motion. They can also perform stress analyses - to determine the stresses and strains in materials and structures subject to forces or loads. Computational engineering covers everything from aircraft, cars and racing cars to blood flow.

Practical work and theory go hand in hand on this 100% coursework module, providing you with a solid introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Stress Analysis (CSA); exploring the theory of CFD and Finite Element (FE) analysis, the mathematical modelling of fluids and stresses in solids, and computational issues.

This module introduces you to numerical design approaches currently used in industry to analyse systems. You will examine their common pitfalls, as well as gaining experience of using commercial CFD and Finite Element (FE) codes. Practically, you will use industry standard codes to tackle miniprojects on fluid flow and stress analysis, which encourages you to work independently with industry standard codes. 

By the end of this module, you should have a strong grasp of CFD and FEA and be able to use the codes fluently to model various articles and systems, as well as having gained an introduction to Finite Difference techniques. You should also be competent in applying a numerical analysis for a specified engineering design problem and be able to check the accuracy of numerical results. Year 3 students often build on their computational engineering skills by applying them to their third year project, during the last term.

Prerequisite module: ECM1102, ECM2109, ECM2113, ECM2114 or equivalent

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to the main numerical design approaches currently used by industry to analyse mechanical systems. You will examine common pitfalls associated with these approaches, and will gain experience in using common commercial CFD and FE codes. Furthermore, you will use numerical packages, giving you the ability to perform a more in-depth individual project in the sixth term.

In addition, this module covers the topics of journal bearings and fracture, using a problem-based learning approach in the case studies, and examining them through the report and viva. You will hone your independent learning skills through investigating these topics through a combination of background reading, private study and computational analysis

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM2p, SM3p,SM2m-SM5m, EA3p, EA3m, EA6m, D4p, D4m, D6p, D6m, G3p, G3m

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM2p, SM3p, SM2m – SM5m, EA3p, EA3m

1 rapidly choose and implement an appropriate numerical analysis for a specified engineering design problem;
2 explain the basic concepts of Finite Difference, Finite Volume and Finite Element analysis, apply Finite Difference techniques to solve 1d PDE's;
3 describe how to check the accuracy and relevance of numerical results;
4 apply advanced modelling techniques, e.g turbulence, non-linear geometry and/or material;
5 apply theoretical analysis of problems to validate computational models;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: D4p, D4m, EA6m

6 understand the core mechanical engineering theoretical concepts covered in the module;
7 incorporate computational analysis into the design process.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge:  D6p, D6m, G3p, G3m

8 write concise technical reports;
9 monitor your own progress;
10 set realistic targets;
11 modify your targets and learning strategies appropriately;
12 provide constructive feedback to teaching staff.

- eleven teaching weeks, (see detailed learning outcomes/assessment criteria for detail);

- introduction to computational methods and applications;

- finite difference schemes: differencing, implicit vs explicit schemes, stability, convergence;

- introduction to finite element techniques using 1-d : cantilever beam;

- familiarisation with industry standard FE code;

- shape functions;

- stiffness Matrix;

- Von-Mises stress;

- non-linear behaviour;

- introduction to CFD;

- basics of Finite Volume methodology;

- PISO and SIMPLE algorithms;

- boundary conditions;

- turbulence modelling;

- familiarity with Standard CFD code: simple flow cases, (flow around cylinder, lid driven cavity);

- case studies: Long Journal Bearing Theory, Fracture Mechanics.

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module: