Finite Element Analysis

Unit code: NEM4102 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
Completion of 240 credit points
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit will focus on the application of the commercial simulation software ANSYS for the computer simulation of problems related to Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The unit will introduce students to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) allowing them to solve problems related to flow paths in complex systems. This will include the modelling of natural convective and radiative heat transfer, heat removal from critical electronics, thermal management to improve reliability and prevent premature failure of circuitry and electronic devices used in data centres, large computing facilities and telecommunication environments.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the heat transfer in steady heat conduction for plane, cylindrical and spherical surfaces;
  2. Analyse the heat transfer for forced heat convection in laminar and turbulent flows and for internal and external surfaces;
  3. Generate CFD models of simple, verifiable geometries with predictable results and of complex geometries with unknown flow fields;
  4. Critically evaluate the validity of CFD results and interpret their meaning; and
  5. Model heat removal systems using CFD and interpret results indicating necessary adjustments.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 15%
The ability of analysing steady heat conduction problems.
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 35%
Test on the understanding of the theory of Heat Transfer
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 25%
Application of CFD for solving electro and mechanical problems
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 25%
Theory on Computational Fluid Dynamics and in class CFD simulations

The assessments focus upon the student’s ability to demonstrate his or her in-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline and apply established engineering methods to complex engineering problems, fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources and effective communication in professional and lay domains as defined in Engineers Australia competencies 2.1, 2.2 and 3.2. As the assessments are the only way by which these competencies can be assessed, this is a hurdle assessment task.

Required reading

Notes will be provided by the Lecturer via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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