Finite Element Analysis

Module code: MEP55B10 · Semester: Semester 1

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

Questions by Year

0 of 3 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

• 2025/26
• 2023/24
• 2022/23

Papers open on tcd.ie (sign in to TCD first).

Topics

• FE formulation for trusses, beams and frames LO1–2
• 2D plane stress and plane strain; thermal strain LO1
• Triangular and quadrilateral element stiffness matrices LO3
• Non-linear materials: plasticity, anisotropic soft tissue LO4
• Boundary conditions and mesh generation LO5–6
• Abaqus, post-processing and accuracy checks LO7–10

Learning outcomes

1. Write and run FE code in MATLAB for trusses, beams, frames, plane stress/strain and thermal strain
2. Show the force-displacement matrix relations for different elements
3. Calculate stiffness matrices for triangular and quadrilateral elements
4. Implement linear and non-linear material models
5. Choose correct boundary and initial conditions
6. Understand mesh generation requirements
7. Use commercial FE software
8. Analyse techniques that improve simulation quality
9. Post-process simulation results
10. Assess results to improve accuracy

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.