Finite Element Methods for Stress Analysis (Ver.

2016/17)

A1 - 1

MECHGM05/GR05/M003: Advanced Computer Applications in Engineering

Finite Element Analysis - Assignment 1
THE PROBLEM
Use finite element method to investigate edge effects, i.e. the influence of dimensions, H and L,
upon the stress concentration factor (Kt) in a metal plate containing a circular/elliptic hole
orientated at an angle under uniaxial tension (Figure 1). The stress concentration factor Kt is
defined as the ratio of the maximum stress to the nominal stress acting on the cross section, i.e. K t
= max / nom where max is the maximum stress at the edge of the hole. Assume that the plate
has a finite uniform thickness.
Each student is required to complete two (2) cases. For the first case, let b/a = 1. For the second case,
choose a b/a and its corresponding from Table 1. It is strongly recommended to use ANSYS parametric
language for the model development and its Mesh Tool facility for the mesh refinement.
Your report must address, but is not limited to, the following:
plane-strain or plane-stress analysis
element types and material properties
level of applied load
mesh convergence and sensitivity studies to achieve a satisfactory prediction of Kt
show and verify how symmetry and anti-symmetry conditions, if any, are applied in the
analysis
use your model to draw conclusions on how H and L influence the value of Kt
deduce, without further simulations, the value of Kt as b 0 for = 0 and = 90
comparison to empirical formula for Kt [1] and comment on the validity and accuracy of the
models
Table 1: Geometric parameters for the elliptic
hole.

Figure 1: Uni-axial stress on a

plate with a hole.
University College London

(deg)

First Letter of
First Name

b/a

AE

0.50

40

FJ

0.30

60

KO

0.65

50

PT

0.40

30

UZ

0.70

45

Finite Element Methods for Stress Analysis (Ver. 2016/17)

A1 - 2

REPORT OUTLINE AND MARKING SCHEME

Prepare your report in the format of a journal article based on the following guidelines:
Title page
title of report, your name, affiliation, email address and word count
Abstract -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[150 words]
Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[500 words]
describe the problem, include a sketch/drawing of the problem; describe the purpose of the
analysis
Materials and Methods------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[700 words]
model description; material properties; boundary conditions and loads; element type and mesh
convergence; simulations, sensitivity tests and measurements (computer models & theory)...
Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[500 words]
results of the simulations in the same order that mentioned in the method...
Discussion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[800 words]
discuss the results of each simulation in the same order as in the Results section; comparison
between different models, with theory and/or experiments; comment on the validity and
limitations of the model; summary/conclusion...
References
Figures and Tables
Appendix
Presentation [20 marks]; technical content [50 marks]; discussion and critical analysis [30 marks]
REPORT REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMISSION DAEDLINE
Your report must be submitted to the departmental office by 12 noon on 14th November 2016. All
reports need to be soft-bound (non-compliance will incur penalty points) and accompanied by
signed cover-sheet (downloadable from the Student Intranet Site).
An identical copy of your report must also be uploaded onto Moodle by the same deadline
above. Penalty points will be applied if they are not identical.
The main text (excluding title page, abstract, equations, tables, figure captions and appendices)
must not exceed 2500 words. Word count must be included on the first page.
Total number of Figures plus number of Tables must be less than 10.
Do not include the Figures and Tables in the main text. Include all the Figures and Tables at
the end of the text after References. Figures and Tables must be cross-referenced in the text.
Include page and continuous line number.
Your report including all sections must not exceed 14 pages.
Use font Arial 11, line spacing 1.15, margins 25.4 mm on all sides, continuous line and page
number.
International System of Units (or SI units) must be adopted throughout the report.
Note up to 20 marks penalty will apply if you do not follow the guidelines.
All students are reminded of the UCL plagiarism policies given in the following webpage, viz.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/guidelines/plagiarism
REFERENCES
[1] WC Young, RG Budynas. Roarks Formulas for Stress and Strain, International Edition. 7th
Edition. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2002.
Dr M Moazen
10th October 2016
University College London