EML 5526 – Finite Element Analysis and
Application - Spring 2004.
4/27:
Note that final exam is 3-5PM in regular classroom (122CSE).
4/26:
Tentative grades posted (what you will get without the final or rescue bonus
project). Also second exam solution posted in exam section.
This home page serves as a communication vehicle between the students and the instructor.
Instructor: Raphael T. Haftka
Office: Room 220 MAE-A Building.
Class location and time: CSE122, MWF 2nd period.
Office Hours: Tuesdays 9-10 AM, Thursdays 10-11AM, Fridays 3rd period.
Teaching assistant: Jian Liu, 232A Benton. Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3PM
Student helpers: Ravi Burla, MAE-C 126, Wedensdays and Thursdays 3-4PM, Mohammad Kurdi, MAE-C 126, Wednesday 1-3PM.
Error detective: Susan Grover.
Textbook: Cook, R. D., Malkus, D.S., Plesha, M.E., and Witt, R.J., Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis, Wiley, 2001.
The book may be obtained at a large discount from the UK, but you have to allow for two weeks. Search for a bookstore for example through http://www.addall.com/
Source of additional examples: Buchanan, G.R., Finite Element Analysis, Schaum’s Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, 1995. Ebook: Felippa, C.A., Introduction to Finite Element Method.
Lecture slides: These were developed in collaboration with Professor M. Akgün of Middle East Technical University, and Dr. Satchi Venkataraman of San Diego State University.
Software: VR-Nastran, Vanderplaats R&D.
Course objectives: Teach students basics of the finite element method for structural and thermal analysis and how to detect errors.
Topics:
Homework: Homework assignments help students absorb methodology and concepts taught in the course and prepare them for the project and exams. There is 20% bonus for homework done by a word processor with detailed explanations at the level of posted solutions. Homework cannot be submitted after a solution is posted, typically 2-4 days after it is collected (FEEDS students have an extra class period for submitting HW, this is the reason for the 2-4 days). Homework may be submitted with no late penalty by 5PM on the day due. If not submitted in class, homework need to be placed in the mailbox of Mr. Jian Liu on the second floor of MAE-A building If you submit homework by email, please email to TA, Jian Liu (only FEEDS students may submit by email without instructor’s or TA’s permission). Only 80% of the homework needs to be submitted. If you submit all of it, the highest 80% of assignments will be used for the grade.
Student Helpers: There are several opportunities for students to act as helpers to their classmates and earn credit and money. Homework helpers complete the homework and show it to the instructor on the afternoon preceding one class period before the homework is due (for example, if the homework is due on Friday, this will be Tuesday afternoon). They help detect difficulties in homework problems unforeseen by the instructor. This help is rewarded by 10% bonus on each homework. If a helper is also available during office hours to answer questions by classmates, the bonus is 20% plus $12/hour for office hours. Error detectives are given homework assignments of classmates whose errors are not easily decipherable by the official class TA. A bonus of 20% for deciphering homework assignments of four classmates plus $12/hour is available. Students who do not want their homework assignments reviewed by the error detectives should notify the instructor. “Class Hecklers” are responsible for raising questions in class when the instructor is not clear or they suspect an error. They must not miss more than four classes and coordinate with the other hecklers to ensure that at least one of them attends any class. Full attendance for a heckler is worth 5 points added to final course average. This will be reduced by 0.125 points per missed class. Students who are interested in these positions should email the instructor explaining why they are suitable.
Grading Policy: 25% homework, 40% two in-semester exams, 35% final exam. Grades are on a absolute scale (A=91+, B+=86+, B=81+, etc.). Predicted grades based on homework and progress to date are posted during the semester beginning after the first in-term exam. These are based on the 80% best homework assignments.
In-Term Exams: In-class exam are closed book, except for one 8.5"x11" page, written in any density (you may bring a magnifier if you wish to write very small).
Final Exam: Optional (it is fine to come to the exam and not hand it in). If final exam is not taken, the grade will be based on the homework and in-term exams, scaled by 100/65.
Academic honesty: All students admitted to the University of Florida have signed a statement of academic honesty committing them to be honest in all academic work and understanding that failure to comply with this commitment will result in disciplinary action. This statement is a reminder to uphold your obligation as a student at the University of Florida and to be honest in all work submitted and exams taken in this class and all others.
Enjoy. All feedback is welcomed. Do not hesitate to contact me with any problems.
If you have comments or suggestions: