PSB333MAE Finite Element Analysis Assessment Brief | CU

Assessment Brief

This document is for CU-PSB Academy students for their use in completing their assessed work for this module and should not be passed to third parties or posted on any website.

Any infringements of this rule should be reported to CU_ENG@psb-academy.edu.sg

Aim and Summary

This module aims to introduce students to the software techniques and the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in modern engineering design and analysis. Students will use industry-standard FEA software to model, analyse, simulate and optimise structural components and systems. The module also focuses on the student’s ability to critically assess and evaluate the structural performance of mechanical components and systems subjected to external loading.

Completion of this assignment will address the following learning outcomes:

LO1 Apply fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

LO2 Extract, analyse, and interpret data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem and, when appropriate, affect its solution using computer-based engineering tools.

LO3 Analyse and appraise the capabilities of computer-based models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

LO4 Review and appraise engineering workshop and laboratory skills.

Teaching and Learning

Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods, which may include lectures, seminars, labs, workshops, online activities and group work. Students are expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions. This module also requires students to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions. Formative assessment will be used to prepare students for the summative evaluation and give students an early indication of their progress towards the course-intended learning outcomes.

Pass Requirement

• Coursework must be at least 40%, and the Module Mark must be at least 40%. Delivery Plan
• Coursework (100%) Pre-requisite Modules: PSB208MAE or equivalent
  Pre-and post-processing of FEA, optimisation principles in FEA [approximately 2,000 words] – assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4.

1. Assignment Task

A frame consisting of 3-rod elements is subjected to force Fx and Fy with lengths of x and y, as shown in Figure 1. The cross-sectional area of the rod elements is denoted as A.

The fundamental equation of Finite Element

The LOCAL coordinates system : {f} = [k]{u}

The GLOBAL coordinates system : {F} = [K]{U}

Each node has 2 degrees of freedom (DOF) for the global coordinate system.

Determine the Parameter Values

Input Parameter Values for Fx, Fy, 𝒙, 𝒚, and A are defined as below:

Note: If the second digit of the sum is ZERO, replace it with any number from your student ID or mobile number. Please state this clearly in your report.

Input Parameter Value for Material Selection

Table 1 shows the list of material selections for this frame.
For example, 1 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 6 + 1 = 28. Then, the 1
st digit is 2, and the 2 nd is 8.

Then, the material selection is steel, followed by cast stainless steel.

TASK 1 – SolidWorks Simulation

Created rod elements in SolidWorks modelling software. Next, the fixed geometry and forces are applied at the respective nodes. Create the default mesh and the simulation study.

Show the von Mises stress, displacement and strain resultant of the frame.

TASK 2 – Direct Stiffness Calculation

The rod stiffness GLOBAL matrix is:

Each rod element’s local stiffness matrices are kE1, kE2, and kE3. Superimpose the local stiffness matrices to determine the global stiffness matrix, Krod, using MS Excel or OctAve coding.

TASK 3 – Results and Discussion

From the TASK 1 and TASK 2 results, determine the horizontal displacement at node 2.

• The horizontal displacement and vertical displacement at node 3. • The reaction at nodes 1 and 2.

• The stress of each element. Tabulate and compare the results. Calculate the percentage error to analyse and comment on the results from the two approaches.

2. Assignment Report Submission

• The report submission date is scheduled and shown on the PSB Blackboard.
• A proper file name is FEA__PART_A.pdf.
• The word count is 1400 words (±10%). The abstracts, reference lists, appendices, and footnotes are excluded from any word limit requirements.
• Submit SolidWorks Simulation generated report will be received ZERO mark.
• The Turnitin similarity index must be less than 20%, and AI is 0% detection.
• The list of references may include relevant concepts and theories from textbooks, journal articles, websites, and market research databases such as Mintel, company or industry sources.

Please use data sources NO OLDER THAN 2015. Reference research using APA 7th edition style. You may refer to the CU library guides at https://libguides.coventry.ac.uk/apa

• FEA Part A Report Format:

Cover Page Abstract

1. Introduction 2. Literature Review

3. SolidWorks Simulation

4. Direct Stiffness Calculation

5. Results and Discussion

6. Conclusion References

3. Assignment ZIP File Submission

• You should compress all the SolidWorks, Excel, and OctAVE files into ONE zip file.

• A proper zip file name is FEA__PART_A.zip.

• The zip file submission date is scheduled and shown on the PSB Blackboard.

Part B – FEA Optimisation

1. SolidWorks Model Mania

Since SOLIDWORKS World 2000, Model Mania® has been an attraction for many engineers and designers who want to compete and show off their SOLIDWORKS skills. It is a design challenge where your modelling skills are measured.

Here’s how it works. First, you are given a 2D drawing of a part. You aim to create that part in SOLIDWORKS as quickly and accurately as possible. Next, you are given a modified version of that drawing. You strive to make the design change as accurately as possible and run a simulation. Figure 2 shows SolidWorks 24 Years Model Mania.

2. Assignment Tasks

You select ONE of 24 Years of Model Mania. You research, identify the problems, and design and create the CAD model. Then, you demonstrate the pre-processing (you decide the input values), solving, and post-processing of FEA optimisation principles in FEA for the case study to achieve learning outcomes.

TASK 1 – Design Insight Study

• Import or create the Model Mania CAD model in SolidWorks.
• Define the variables (e.g. length, width, height, diameter, etc.)
• Define the constraints (e.g. less stress, displacement)
• Define the goal (e.g. reduce weight or volume)
• Implement design changes and re-analyse the updated design. • Document the design insight study process and results.
• Import or create the Model Mania CAD model in SolidWorks.
• Define loading conditions (e.g. forces, torques, etc.)
• Set material properties (e.g. aluminium, steel, titanium)
• Goals and constraints (e.g. geometry, symmetry)
• Manufacturing controls
• Mesh and run topology optimisation using SolidWorks. Compare the optimised design with the initial design.
• Validate results with optimised design, if possible.

3. Assignment Report Submission

• The report submission date is scheduled and shown on the PSB Blackboard.
• A proper file name is FEA__PART_B.pdf.
• The word count is 600 words (±10%). The abstracts, reference lists, appendices, and footnotes are excluded from any word limit requirements.
• Submit SolidWorks Simulation generated report will be received ZERO mark.
• The Turnitin similarity index must be less than 20%, and AI is 0% detection.
• The list of references may include relevant concepts and theories from textbooks, journal articles, websites, and market research databases such as Mintel, company or industry sources. Please use data sources NO OLDER THAN 2015. Reference research using APA 7th edition style. You may refer to the CU library guides at https://libguides.coventry.ac.uk/apa • FEA Part B Report Format:

Cover Page Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Literature Review

3. Stress Analysis

4. Design Insight Study

5. Topology Optimisation

6. Results and Discussion

7. Conclusion References

4. Assignment ZIP File Submission

• You should compress all the SolidWorks files into ONE zip file. • A proper zip file name is FEA__PART_B.zip.

• The zip file submission date is scheduled and shown on the PSB Blackboard.

Marking Scheme and Rubric (See Appendix A)

• Knowledge and understanding (20%)

The level of assignment is expected to address the topic and requirements outlined in the
assignment entirely and be appropriate for the intended audience.

• Analysis and Discussion (20%)

The level of assignment is expected to provide an appropriate level of analysis, Discussion, and evaluation as required by the assignment.

• Evaluation and Create (20%)

The level of assignment is expected to be well-organised in overall structure, beginning with a clear statement of the problem and ending with a clear conclusion.

• Grammar and Mechanics (20%)

Grammar refers to the parts of speech and how the writer forms sentences. Mechanics refers to the rules of the written language, such as capitalisation, punctuation, and spelling.

• Presentation of Portfolio (20%)

: The report style should be concise and provide precise details. Data may be presented as charts, graphs, or tables if appropriate. The format should have a proper layout and typography.

Coursework Guidance Notes and Considerations

Late Submission

Suppose you cannot complete your coursework on time due to extenuating circumstances. In that case, the ONLY way to receive an extension (up to 5 working days) or a deferral (anything longer than five) is to contact a Registry team member at your specific CU site.

• CU defines extenuating circumstances as ‘genuine circumstances beyond your control or ability to foresee, and which seriously impair your assessed work. ’
• Please note that you must provide third-party evidence to support your reasoning for requiring an extension or deferral.
• Your course tutor cannot approve an extension or a deferral. If you have not completed the official forms and had your request approved, your work will count as not submitted, and you will receive a zero mark.

Plagiarism and Malpractice

• You are encouraged to check the originality of your work by using the draft Turnitin links on your Moodle Web.
• Collusion between students (where sections of your work are similar to those submitted by other students in this or previous module cohorts) is taken extremely seriously. It will be reported to the academic conduct panel. It applies to all coursework and exam answers.
• A marked difference between your writing style, knowledge and skill level
  demonstrated in class discussion and test conditions and that shown in a coursework assignment may result in you having to undertake a Viva Voce to prove the coursework assignment is your work.
• If you use the services of a proofreader in your work, you must keep your original version and make it available as a demonstration of your written efforts.
• You must not submit work for assessment that you have already submitted (partially or in whole), either for your current course or another university qualification, unless this is expressly provided in your assignment brief or specific course or module information.

Where earlier work by you is citable, i.e. it has already been published/submitted, you must reference it. Identical pieces of work submitted concurrently will also be considered self-plagiarism.

Acknowledging the Use of AI Tools

If you have used any AI tools, such as language models or image recognition software, in your assignment or report, please acknowledge their use in your submission.

Please includea list of the AI tools used, their purpose in your work, and their source. As part of this requirement, please include the chat scripts of any AI tools used in your work as an appendix to your submission.

This acknowledgement is necessary to ensure academic integrity and transparency in grading.
The rod stiffness GLOBAL matrix is: