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

Level 1/4 (Basic): "Model Assembly, Validation, Verification and Debugging Procedures"

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.

This first module is intended to be an intensive 3-day numerical application course aimed at providing the correct sequential procedure to obtain a steel/aluminium structure FE model compatible, from a design perspective, with static to dynamic analyses. Special attention is paid to the mathematical vs. mechanical interpretation of the responses, regardless of the external set of the applied design loads. The numerical examples presented cover the use of beam, plate and brick elements, analysing their responses under static and dynamic events. On the third day, with assistance from the presenters, attendees are asked to build and analyse a mathematical FE model from their own spheres of interest, and then interpret and discuss the results. Some of the topics covered include: pre and post processing hypotheses, setting-up of the general configurations, selecting entities, units, mesh-optimisation, sub-grouping functions, loading procedure, freedom cases and mathematical model validation. The solvers used will be: linear static (LSA), non-linear static (NLA) and natural frequency (NFA). Post-processing of the results will be presented and discussed: contouring, graphing, stress averaging, tabular listings and animations. Participants are also given an opportunity to get hands-on experience using a specialised software package (Strand7® Nonlinear) that will be provided for exercises during the course.


TARGET 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. Participants should have a basic 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, 12 May 2021
TIME: 9am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5pm
Geometry and CAD properties of the structural system, Material and cross-section list, Mesh assembly (CAD import or native generation), Physical body validation, Mechanical body validation (free-body diagrams, natural vibrations, stress/displacement distribution).

DAY 2 - Thursday, 13 May 2021
TIME: 9am-12.30pm/1.30pm-5pm
Loading procedure - load conditions (LC) and combination cases (CC), Numerical procedures (solver selection and result interpretations), Post-processing: design result interpretation (contouring, graphing, listing, animations), Iterative optimisation sequence.

DAY 3 - Friday, 14 May 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), 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: 'Recent architectural accomplishments in the use of structural steel'


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