Course coordinator
Dr Christopher Leonardi
Please email A/Prof Leonardi to arrange a consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Computational analysis of problems in solid and fluid mechanics using the finite element (FEM) and finite volume (FVM) methods, respectively, in the context of product lifecycle management (PLM). The FEM component addresses strain energy, interpolation functions, element types, two-dimensional analysis types, plate and shell models, and an introduction to nonlinear analysis. The computational fluid dynamics (i.e. FVM) component addresses transient and steady-state flows, laminar and turbulent regimes, boundary layer and turbulence modelling, and stability criteria. Topics common to both approaches include problem decomposition, appropriate selection of boundary conditions, grid convergence, model verification and validation, and data visualisation and interrogation.
Computational methods are now routinely applied in the analysis of engineering problems in structural and fluid mechanics. They can be used to assist the prototyping of solutions, optimise designs against functional specifications, or interrogate the failure of a component or system assembly. As just one example, their combined application in Formula 1 facilitates the rapid development (e.g. in betweenﾠraces) of aerodynamic components that increase downforce, reduce drag, and stay within allowable deflection limits.ﾠIn this course you will learn about the finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and how they are applied to provide insight on engineering problems that cannot be readily obtained using analytical or experimental means. You will put your learning into practice using commercial software packages.
The first half of the course deals with finite element analysis (FEA). You will be introduced to the theory of the underlying methodﾠ(e.g. simple truss/heat/circuit problems, weak variational form, interpolation functions, element types), two-dimensional analysis types, plate and shell models, and nonlinear analysis.ﾠThe second half of the course deals with CFD as analysed using the finite volume method (FVM). You will be introduced to the theory of the method (e.g. conservation, discretisation, solution schemes), transient and steady-state flows, laminar and turbulent regimes, boundary layer and turbulence modelling, non-Newtonian flows, and stability criteria. Both halves of the course will address issues related to the practical application of FEA and CFD, includingﾠproblem decomposition, appropriate selection of boundary conditions, grid convergence, model verification and validation, and data visualisation and interrogation. The place of computational mechanics within broader principles of product lifecycle management (PLM) will also be discussed.
This is not a numerical methods course. The derivation of finite element and finite volume schemes will only be presented to the depth required for you to appreciate their respective limitations, understand why certain choices of solution technique or model parameter are appropriate (or inappropriate), and identify and interpret the metrics that should be used to assess the quality of a computational analysis.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that you have an understanding of the fundamental principles of continuum mechanics, particularly the relationship between stress and strain (or strain rate, as in the case of viscous fluids). You should be able to interpret engineering problems in solids and fluids in terms of their constraints, loads, and material properties, including failure criteria (in the case of solids). It is expected that you can analytically solve simple problems in structural analysis and fluid mechanics by the reduction and application of governing equations (e.g. Navier-Stokes) and that you can execute engineering analysis using computational software (e.g. Python).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MECH2410 and MECH2700 and MECH2300
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MECH3300 and MECH4480 and MECH7480
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to imbue you with the technical understanding and practical perspective required to apply computational methods to generate robust engineering insight on problems related to structural mechanics and fluid mechanics.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Discuss the role that computational analysis plays in product lifecycle management.
LO2.
Apply engineering principles to reduce complex mechanical systems and fluid flows (including the loads and constraints to which they are subjected) to a form that can be analysed using finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD), respectively.
LO3.
Derive the system of linear equations that models a truss (and analogous problems in mechanical engineering) using direct and variational approaches.
LO4.
Select the most appropriate element formulation (truss, beam, membrane, shell, solid) to apply to FEA of mechanical systems.
LO5.
Model nonlinear behaviour (contact, plasticity, large deformation) in FEA of mechanical systems using commercial software.
LO6.
Derive the systems of linear equations that model components (convection, diffusion, convection-diffusion) of the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible fluid flows using finite difference and finite volume methods.
LO7.
Model turbulence and heat transfer in fluid flows using commercial CFD software and closure parameters calculated from fluid mechanical theory.
LO8.
Apply systematic mesh/grid refinement techniques to appropriately discretise (in the context of standard quality metrics) solid/fluid geometries for FEA/CFD using commercial software.
LO9.
Demonstrate the computational analysis workflow (model definition, dimensional analysis, mesh/grid generation, application of boundary and initial conditions, selection of solution strategy, interrogation of results) in FEA and CFD of mechanical and fluid systems, respectively.
LO10.
Verify and validate the predictions of FEA and CFD using analytical solutions and experimental data.
LO11.
Communicate the outcomes of FEA and CFD using appropriate visual aids (e.g. plots, graphs) in formal technical reporting.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | FEA Project Assignment | 25% |
7/04/2025 8:00 am |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable on my.UQ. |
| Project | CFD Project Assignment | 20% |
30/05/2025 6:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
FEA Project Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
7/04/2025 8:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L08, L11
Task description
Structural analysis of a component or assembly using Siemens NX. This assignment will help demonstrate your ability to (i) develop a practical computational model of an engineering problem of interest, (ii) make sound engineering decisions that facilitate robust, efficient, and accurate analysis, and (iii) interrogate, visualise and document analysis results in a technical letter.
Turnitin (and other platforms) will be used to detect plagiarism and collusion in your reports and analysis file(s).
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit technical letter (in .pdf format) and analysis file(s) via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Refer to submission instructions on Blackboard, which include what to do in the event of technical issues.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students will be provided with feedback within 14-21 days of the original due date.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable on my.UQ.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Written exam covering the finite element analysis (FEA) half of the course. You will be marked on the correctness and completeness of your answers. Questions will show the number of marks allocated.
Hurdle requirements
You must obtain at least 40% of the available marks from the in-semester exam in order to achieve a passing grade in this course. In practice, this means that there are separate hurdles applied to the in-semester exam and the final exam, which is reflective of the separation of FEA and CFD in the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
CFD Project Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/05/2025 6:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11
Task description
Computational analysis of a fluid flow problem using Siemens StarCCM+. This assignment will help demonstrate your ability to (i) develop a practical computational model of an engineering problem of interest, (ii) make sound engineering decisions that facilitate robust, efficient, and accurate analysis, and (iii) interrogate, visualise and document analysis results in a formal report.
Turnitin (and other platforms) will be used to detect plagiarism and collusion in your reports and analysis file(s).
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Refer to submission instructions released during the semester on Blackboard, which include what to do in the event of technical issues.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students will be provided with feedback within 7-14 days of the original due date.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06, L07
Task description
Invigilated exam covering the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) half of the course. You will be marked on the correctness and completeness of your answers. Questions will show the number of marks allocated.
Hurdle requirements
You must obtain at least 40% of the available marks from the final exam in order to achieve a passing grade in this course. In practice, this means that there are separate hurdles applied to the in-semester exam and the final exam, which is reflective of the separation of FEA and CFD in the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfyingﾠbasic requirements for a Pass. Or less than 40% in the IVA requirement explained below.ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirements explained below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirements explained below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirements explained below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. And a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirements explained below. |
Additional course grading information
Grading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
Identity verified assessment (IVA)
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through:
- Obtaining at least 40% of the available marks in the in-semester (FEA) exam and
- Obtaining at least 40% of the available marks in the final (CFD) exam.
You need to pass both of the IVA hurdles to pass the course regardless of your final mark. Students who achieve a total mark of 50 or greater but do not pass the IVA hurdles will receive a grade of 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series Lectures on the basic underlying theory of FEA and CFD. Weeks 1-6 will focus on FEA and Weeks 7-13 will focus on CFD. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11 |
General contact hours |
Contact Sessions Demonstration of the numerical implementation and practical application of FEA and CFD. Some lecture-type material will be presented in some sessions. Weeks 1-6 will focus on FEA and Weeks 7-13 will focus on CFD. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
|
Tutorial |
Computer-Based Tutorials FEA and CFD tutorial problems with assistance from the teaching team. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.