Topics

The project should use topics from throughout the class, including content through the end of the semester. Don't limit yourself to using only the topics we have learned to this point (i.e. bars and beams). For example, I encourage you to think about using plane, shell, and solid elements in your analysis, as well as axi-symmetry assumptions. We will cover these topics in the coming weeks.

Your report should contain the sections listed below. The text of the report should be 2-3 pages in length

The required sections are:

1. Introduction
a. Give a brief overview of the problem and what your goals were.

2. Description of the Physical System
a. Give a description of the actual system, including figures that best highlight the features you modeled.

3. Description of the Finite Element Model
a. List the assumptions you used, as well as the details of the model. For example, indicate what elements you used, what your boundary conditions and loads were, what the material properties were, etc.

4. Results and Discussion
a. Describe the key results and what they mean. Include only pertinent plots or tables, do not just print out lists of nodal or element solutions. Be concise in your reporting. Only focus on what is really important, just like you would on a report in industry or a journal article.

5. Conclusions
a. Summarize the main findings. For example, based on your results will the system fail due to stress, is the deflection within tolerance, etc. This is your chance to make a definitive statement about what was most relevant to the problem and if you achieved your goals.