48371 Advanced Engineering Computing
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (48221 Engineering Computations AND 48349 Structural Analysis AND (120 credit points of completed study in Must have completed at least Bachelor's Degree courses owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Must have completed at least Bachelor's Honours Embedded courses owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Must have completed at least Bachelor's Combined Degree courses owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Must have completed at least Bachelor's Combined Honours courses owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Must have completed at least Bachelor's Combined Degree co-owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Must have completed at least Bachelor's Combined Honours co-owned by FEIT))
Description
The objective of this subject is for students to develop competencies in advanced computational methods used in civil engineering, particularly in the preparation and analysis of mathematical models that are frequently applied in structural engineering. The subject also develops modelling and programming skills using one of the most popular software tools, MATLAB.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Independently, or as a part of a team, identify and apply relevant numerical problem solving methodologies. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Ensure that all aspects of the problem solving techniques are soundly based on fundamental principles. (D.1) |
| 3. | Conceptualize alternative approaches and evaluate potential outcomes against appropriate criteria. (C.1) |
| 4. | Present the results of the project in a succinct and cogent form, with suitable illustration where appropriate. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject is structured into two lectures each week, delivered by two lecturers, with one focusing on the MATLAB programming skills and another on fundamentals of computing algorithms. During the second half of the semester, class time will be allocated for student presentations, discussions of the projects and feedback. Students will be asked to teach the techniques that they had to learn to each other.
The subject assessment is conducted through allocated design project during the second half of the semester. Throughout the design projects, presentations during the class time and final project report (via Canvas) form two major components for the subject assessment. Details of the subject assessment can be found in later of this document.
The subject material will be available at Canvas before the class, including videos. Students are expected to read the material/watch the video before the class. Students are expected to form certain understanding before the lectures and hence the lectures will focus on highlighting the important topics and responding to students' inquiries.
In response to COVID-19, all lectures will be conducted via zoom with detail links announced via Canvas. During project discussion phase, lecturers and tutor will be available in the zoom session to answer students' inquiries.
Students should expect to spend on average of 7.5 hours per week on this subject in addition to actively participating in all the class sessions. Students are expected to be punctual and regular in attending the face-to-face sessions in this subject.
Learning and teaching strategies include research inspired, practice oriented, and collaborative and project-based learning approaches. The class sessions provide a collaborative learning experience. From early of the semester there will be projects allocated to each student group. In the projects, the students are asked to model a comprehensive structural problem using learned knowledge and software modeling skills. The projects will provide opportunities to practice self-learning. The students will need to learn one or two techniques deeply (from the lecture notes or other resources) to finalize their project's matlab component so that they can validate the project results.
Content (topics)
- Introduction and motivation: examples of civil engineering applications requiring numerical solutions such as matrix equations of structures with linear and non-linear response, elastic buckling and dynamics problems
- Simultaneous linear equations; classification of equation systems; solution by elimination; solution by iteration
- Solution of non-linear equations; Newton-Raphson method; modified Newton-Raphson method
- Special numerical integration formulas; Gauss quadrature; finite differences; Newmark's time integration – numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations; initial and boundary value problems; application to steady state and transient problems such as deflection of a beam on elastic foundation; vibration analysis
- Solution of eigenvalue problems; definitions, types of eigenvalue problems and their application to structural stability and natural frequency analysis; the direct determinant expansion method and its limitation; iterative solution algorithms
- Optimisation: introduction to concept of optimisation
- Errors in numerical analysis; source of numerical error, discretisation error, error estimate, numerical stability and convergence
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Design Project Phase 1 – presentation 1
| Intent: | To apply understanding of advanced engineering computing algorithms using Matlab software and other chosen structural analysis software and to reinforce learning by interacting with fellow students. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 10 minutes |
Assessment task 2: Design Project Phase 2 – presentation 2
| Intent: | To apply understanding of advanced engineering computing algorithms using Matlab software and other chosen structural analysis software and to reinforce learning by interacting with fellow students. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 10 minutes |
Assessment task 3: Design Project Phase 3 – presentation 3
| Intent: | To apply understanding of advanced engineering computing algorithms using Matlab software and other chosen structural analysis software and to reinforce learning by interacting with fellow students. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 10 minutes |
Assessment task 4: Design Project Phase 4 - project report
| Intent: | To comprehend the subject contents (computing theory and Matlab) and apply the knowledge into problem solving of real engineering challenges by using at least two pieces of engineering software, including Matlab and a self-chosen software. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Not applicable
Recommended texts
- Al-Khafaji,A.W. & Tooley,J.R. Numerical Methods in Engineering Practice. Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc.
- COOK, R. MALKUS,D. & PLESHA, M. Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis. 3rd Ed. John Wiley & Sons.
- COOK, Finite Element Modeling for Stress Analysis, Wiley, 1995
- BATHE, K.J. Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis. Prentice Hall.
- ROCKEY, K.C., EVANS, H.R., GRIFFITHS, D.W. & NETHERCOT, D.A. The Finite Element Method, A Basic Introduction for Engineers. Collins.
- Press, W. H., Flannery, B. P., Teukolsky, S. A. & Vetterling, W. T. Numerical Recipes - The Art of Scientific Computing, Cambridge University Press
- S. C. CHAPRA & R. P. CANALE, Numerical Methods for Engineers. McGraw-Hill.
- CLOUGH RW & PENZIEN J. Dynamics of Structures. McGraw-Hill.
References
Not applicable