Finite Element Procedures For The Numerical Analysis Of Steel And Aluminium Structures

Level 3/4 (Advanced 1): "Connections and Sub-models"

This four-level programme is held by MZA Research - Numerical Consulting ltd, a NAFEMS member institution providing customised courses in Applied FEA with reference to the Design of Steel/Aluminium Structures and Structural/Mechanical applications.

The third module is intended to be an intensive 3-day numerical application course aimed at providing the correct sequential procedure for the generation and analysis of bolted and welded connections, parts susceptible to buckling, or components such as webs, slender mullions or columns. All the topics are analysed under geometric, boundary and material non-linear conditions. Confidence in the use and application of non-linear problems should be considered propaedeutic for this module. The numerical examples presented in the course cover the use of beam, plate and brick elements, with each being analysed for their responses under static load conditions. On day three, with assistance from the presenters, attendees will be asked to build and analyse a mathematical FE model from their own spheres of interest, after which the results are interpreted and discussed. Some of the topics that will be covered include: bolted connection mesh generation, welded connections and stress distribution in welded regions, contact problems, sub-models of Eulerian instability (L-buckling) for compression members in addition to lateral-torsional instability (LT-buckling) for elements that undergo bending. The solvers used will be: non-linear static (NLA) and natural frequency (NFA). In addition, some of the post-processing results that will be presented and discussed are: contouring, graphing, stress-averaging, tabular listings and animations. As with the second module, participants are also given an opportunity to get hands-on experience using a specialised software package (Strand7® Nonlinear), that will be provided for and available for use for exercises during the course.


TARGETED AUDIENCE

The course is suitable for structural engineers mainly in the field of Steel and Aluminium Structures who are interested in learning or optimising their approach to ensure that they have a proper and analytical correct model-assembly-procedure, model debugging approach and a verification-validation understanding in the study of special components like connections and sub-models. Participants should have a reasonable background in Finite Element Methods and Structural Mechanics. Methods and debugging technics will be outlined with only minimum mathematics and are illustrated by practical software implementations. The course is not software specific, but it is held by making use of the Strand7® Nonlinear FE package. For all participants, a Strand7® educational licence will be provided upon request.


COURSE CONTENT

DAY 1 - Wednesday, 1 December 2021
TIME: 9am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5pm
Geometry and CAD properties of bolted connections and welded joints, Mesh assembly (CAD import or native generation), Physical body validation by the high-stiffness control method, Mechanical body validation by stress/displacement distribution.

DAY 2 - Thursday, 2 December 2021
TIME: 9am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5pm
Loading procedure - parametric conditions (PC) and combination cases (CC), Numerical procedures (solver selection, material relationship and non-linear setting-up), Post-processing: design result interpretation (contouring, graphing, listing, animations), Stiffness and stress distribution discussion (hydrostatic, deviatoric and distorsional energy according to Hencki-Huber-Von Mises and according to the Rendulic-Lode space).

DAY 3 - Friday, 3 December 2021
TIME: 9am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5pm
Participants’ numerical experience: model assembly, debugging, validation and analyses of results. Pre and post processing hypotheses, Methodological model-assembly discussion (mathematical and physical characteristics of the system), The 'floating-body problem' in connections analysis: discussion, Review and closure.


LANGUAGE

The course will be held in English.


TUTORS/PRESENTERS

- Augusto Mastropasqua (MSc, PhD, PE, PSE®NAFEMS), Professional Simulation Engineer NAFEMS, MZA Structural Engineering Technical Director, Polytechnic University of Milan Visiting Lecturer.

- Nicola Carniato (MSc, CEng, MICE, MIMechE), Technical Director AKT-II, presentation: 'Tall buildings'.


FULL COURSE/TRAINING PROGRAMME

The course described above is part of an integrated programme related to Finite Element Procedures for the Numerical Analysis of Steel and Aluminium Structures, which is suitable for structural engineers applied to the field of Steel and Aluminium Structures. The programme includes:

Level 1 (Basic): "Model assembly, validation, verification and debugging procedures" (3-days)
Level 2 (Intermediate): "Non-linear static applications in Structural Engineering" (3-days)
Level 3 (Advanced 1): "Connections and sub-models (3-days)"
Level 4 (Advanced 2): "Non-linear dynamic applications in Structural Engineering" (3-days)

Every level should be considered a precursor to the following one, however, candidates are not obliged to participate in all 4 sessions. The course/training programme is not software specific, but it will be held by making use of the Strand7® Nonlinear FE package. For all participants, a Strand7® Nonlinear educational licence will be provided upon request.


REGISTRATION

Note that the number of participants is limited. The registration is conditional upon completion of the participant data form, professional field of application and FE experience level. Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation of your reservation with additional practical information about the venue and course.

For further information and registration please contact:

Francesca Lorenzet, Event Operations & Management

lorenzet@mza-structuralengineering.com