Unit Outline

ENG714

Computational Analysis

Semester 1, 2025

Alan Henderson

School of Engineering

College of Sciences and Engineering

CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

What is the Unit About?

Unit Description

This unit introduces students to computational analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The unit covers background theory and numerical methods and explores the application of commercial software in solving practical problems with an emphasis on design and optimisation of solutions.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Develop CFD and FEA models and apply accepted formal procedures to verify them with regard to mesh, time-step and physics settings.
2	Identify or derive relevant analytic or empirical solutions to continuum mechanics problems and apply them toward validaing computational mechanics models.
3	Design and optimise an engineering component subjected to fluid-structure interactions using multiphysics simulations.
4	Communicate outcomes of computational mechanics simulations to discipline peers through a technical report that follows professional expectations, conventions and standards of presentation.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KME771 and ENG703 and ENG704

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The assessment for the unit has been more evenly distributed across the semester by releasing Exercise 1 - CFD in week 2 and bringing forward the assessment due dates.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Lecture (On Campus)	4 x 2 hr lecture will introduce CFD theory and applications. 4 x 2 hr lectures will introduce FEA theory and applications. An additional 3 x 2 hr lectures will introduce the multi physics simulations. These are face to face classes.	2	StudyPeriod 11 times
On Campus	Computer Laboratory	Hands on learning, face to face, classes scheduled to teach the basics of CFD and FEA analysis. Weeks 2-6 (CFD), Weeks 7-10 (FEA) and Weeks 12-14 (Multiphysics)	2	StudyPeriod 11 times

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	In-Class Test 1	Week 5	10 %	LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Analysis and Optimisation Exercise 1 (CFD)	Week 7	15 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	In-Class Test 2	Week 10	10 %	LO2
Assessment Task 4:	Analysis and Optimisation Exercise 2 (FEA)	Week 11	15 %	LO1, LO4
Assessment Task 5:	Exercise 3: Multiphysics Design and Optimisation	Week 14	50 %	LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: In-Class Test 1

Task Description:

Students complete tutorial style problems aimed to directly assess ILO2 in Module 1 : Fluid Mechanics. "Identify or derive relevant analytic or empirical solutions to continuum mechanics problems and apply them toward validating computational mechanics models.".

Task Length:

1 hour

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Derive analytical solutions to continuum mechanics problems relating to Fluid Mechanics	LO2
2	Develop computational methods for solving continuum mechanics problems in fluid mechanics.	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Analysis and Optimisation Exercise 1 (CFD)

Task Description:

The task involves conducting a design based teaching activity to optimise a fluid related problem using computational fluid dynamics. The task includes applying qualitative measures to ensure quality assurance and technical reporting of the analysis

Task Length:

Maximum 20 pages + appendices + model files

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Optimise an engineering component using CFD modelling.	LO1
2	Demonstrate quality assurance in CFD modelling through application of accepted verificiation procedures	LO1
3	Communicate a CFD based design of a component by written report following professional expectations.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: In-Class Test 2

Task Description:

Students complete tutorial style problems aimed to directly assess ILO2 relating to Module 2: Finite Element Method: "Identify or derive relevant analytic or empirical solutions to continuum mechanics problems and apply them toward validating computational mechanics models.".

Task Length:

1 hour

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and derive analytical or empirical solutions to continuum mechanics problems in solid mechanics.	LO2

Assessment Task 4: Analysis and Optimisation Exercise 2 (FEA)

Task Description:

Complete an optimisation study of a 2 dimensional part using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method to minimise the maximum stress in the part. Document the report in a technical format following professional expectations, conventions and standards of presentation

Task Length:

20 pages + model files

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Optimise an engineering component using FEA modelling	LO1
2	Communicate a FEA-based design of a component by written report following professional expectations.	LO4

Assessment Task 5: Exercise 3: Multiphysics Design and Optimisation

Task Description:

This project explores the use of a multi-physics approach in the design of an engineering component through a coupled fluid-structure simulation.

Task Length:

20 pages + model files

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Develop a multi-physics model utilising FEA and CFD to model and optimise an engineering component subjected to fluid-structure interaction	LO3
2	Demonstrate formal verification and validation procedures in a coupled CFD-FEA problem.	LO3
3	Communicate outcomes from a coupled CFD-FEA design and optimisation of a component though a report following professional expectations.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes (see requirements below), achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

To satisfy ILO 1, an average mark of at least 50% is required on assessment relating to ILO 1 in Exercises 1 and 2

To satisfy ILO 2, an average mark of at least 50% is required on the In-class tests 1 and 2

To satisfy ILO 3, a minimum mark of 50% is required on assessment marks relating to ILO 3 in Exercise 3

To satisfy ILO 4, a minimum mark of 50% is required on assessment marks relating to ILO 4 in Exercises 1, 2, and 3.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Versteeg, H.and Malalasekera, W. An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The Finite Volume Method, 2nd Edition, 2007 (or more rec

Daryl L. Logan, "A First Course in Finite Element Method" 6th Edition, Cengage Learning, 2017 (or any other recent edition).

Cengel and Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics. Fundamentals and Applications, Fourth Edition in SI units, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2019

E-Book
Fluid Mechanics - E-Book

On-Campus Bookshop
Fluid Mechanics - hard copy