Higher Nationals

Assignment Brief – BTEC (RQF)

Qualification Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Student Name /ID Number

Unit Number and Title Unit 37: Virtual Engineering

Academic Year and Batch number 2020/Batch 10

Unit Assessor Eng. Geethal Siriwardana

Assignment Title Finite Element Analysis

Issue Date 31.07.2020

Formative Assessment Date 12.07.2020
Submission Date 28.07.2020
IV Name and Date Asiri Manchanayaka/31.07.2020

Submission Format:

The submission is in the form of calculations supported by written responses and simulation files.
All work must be supported with research and referenced appropriately.

Also the Simulation files needs to be submitted with this assignment.

(Using the student number allocated, you must present your individual calculations in a step by
step manner with full use of units and standard form).

Unit Learning Outcomes:

LO1: Explore the capabilities and limitations of computer-based models in meeting design
fundamentals and their use in solving problems in engineering.
LO2: Analyse finite element product and system models in order to find and solve potential
structural or performance issues.

Assignment Brief and Guidance:

Scenario
The finite element method has been applied to a wide variety of problems in various fields of
application. This has been possible because of the common features in the mathematical
formulation of these seemingly different problems, e.g. many problems of engineering analysis
can be represented by partial differential equations. In some cases, the same type of partial
differential equation (e.g. the two-dimensional Laplace/Poisson equation) can represent a large
number of physical problems (e.g. ground water seepage, torsion of bars, and heat flow).

Task 01
In this figure, shown in figure Q1 is a vertical wall with a cantilever slab hanging out from the wall.
To support the slab, there are 14 steel rods attached to the slab and wall as shown in the figure.
The slab has a uniformly distributed weight in 1000kg. Due to the thermal expansion of the steel
rod the load of 2kN is inducing along the steel rods’ axis. As a mechanical engineer, your task is to
perform an FEA simulation to evaluate the stress and deformation occurs in the slab.
a. What is the Maximum Deformation occurring?
b. What is the maximum stress and point of the stress?
c. Discuss the benefits and pitfalls of computer-based models used within an industrial
environment to solve problems in engineering.
d. Discuss the methods of minizine the computational power in FEA with minimum effect to the
accuracy.
e. Critically discuss about the improvement of this truss by addressing its performances and
economical aspect (you may include cost reduction capabilities, manufacturing methods,
material usage and other relevant variables)
Note: You may use a simplified version in your simulation.

Task 02

Consider a uniform rod subjected to a uniform axial load as illustrated in Figure Q2. It can be
readily shown that the deformation of the bar is governed by the differential equation

a. Find an approximate solution to this problem using weighted residual method

b. State the advantages of using Computer based FE Analysis than traditional methods
c. What are the limitations in computer based FEA based on Mesh Sizing?

Figure Q1
 Figure Q2

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcome Pass Merit Distinction
LO1: Explore the P1: Discuss the M1: Evaluatethe D1: Critically evaluate
capabilities and benefits and pitfalls of capabilities and and provide supported
limitations of computer-based limitations of recommendations for
computer-based models used within an computer-based the application of
models in meeting industrial environment models. computer-based
design fundamentals to solve problems in models to an industrial
and their use in solving engineering. M2: Evaluate the environment that
problems in processes and would improve
engineering applications used in efficiency and problem-
solving problems in solving.
engineering.
LO2: Analyse finite P2: Analyse the role of M3: Critically analyse D2: For a range of
element product and finite element analysis the finite element practical examples,
system models in in modelling products product and systems provide supported and
order to find and solve and systems. models that help to justified
potential structural or find and solve potential recommendations for
performance issues. P3: Review a range of performance or recognising and solving
practical examples to structural issues for a potential structural or
solve potential range of practical performance-based
structural or examples. issues, using finite
performance-based element product and
issues using finite systems models.
element product and
systems models.
 STUDENT ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION AND DECLARATION
When submitting evidence for assessment, each student must sign a declaration confirming that
the work is their own.

Student name: Assessor name:

Issue date: Submission date: Submitted on:

Programme:

Unit:

Assignment number and title:

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a particular form of cheating. Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs and students
who break the rules, however innocently, may be penalised. It is your responsibility to ensure
that you understand correct referencing practices. As a university level student, you are expected
to use appropriate references throughout and keep carefully detailed notes of all your sources of
materials for material you have used in your work, including any material downloaded from the
Internet. Please consult the relevant unit lecturer or your course tutor if you need any further
advice.

Student Declaration
 Student declaration

I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the
consequences of plagiarism. I understand that making a false declaration is a form of
malpractice.

Student signature: Date:

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