Unit Outline

Students are introduced to the state-of-the-art numerical methods and the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in civil and mechanical engineering. The unit is delivered in three parts. The first two parts provide knowledge and skills to design, derive and implement FEA and CFD methods to solve partial differential equations. In the third part, students extend their knowledge and skills in an area selected from geotechnical, structural, hydraulic, heat transfer, vibration, acoustics and/or multi-physics problems.

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	Explain the basic theory behind the computational mechanics methods.
2	Control the various source of errors and limitations of finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to ensure accurate solutions to problems in engineering applications.
3	Solve continuum mechanics problems in one or more domains of civil and mechanical engineering using computational software.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG222 or KNE216 ENG313 or KNE351 KMA252 or KME271 KME272

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Assignment	Week 5	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Assignment	Week 8	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Project	Week 13	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Assignment

Task Description:

This assignment applies finite element analysis to investigate the behaviour of a selected structural, mechanical, or geotechnical component. It develops modelling and simulation skills, interpretation of numerical results, and critical evaluation of method accuracy and limitations. GenAI is permitted, but must be acknowledged.

Task Length:

10-15 pages

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Provide accurate solutions to a range of computational mechanics problems	LO1
2	Calculations are correct, neatly presented with appropriate significant figures and units	LO2
3	The report is presented in such a manner that a technically competent person can easily follow and achieve similar results if repeated	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Assignment

Task Description:

This assignment applies computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study a benchmark problem. It involves validation against published data, mesh independence analysis, and interpretation of flow behaviour. The task develops skills in CFD modelling, verification, and critical evaluation of numerical accuracy. GenAI is permitted, but must be acknowledged.

Task Length:

10-15 pages

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Provide accurate solutions to a range of computational mechanics problems	LO1
2	Calculations are correct, neatly presented with appropriate significant figures and units	LO2
3	The report is presented in such a manner that a technically competent person can easily follow and achieve similar results if repeated	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Project

Task Description:

This project involves solving an advanced computational engineering problem using numerical modelling and simulation techniques. Tasks include model formulation, solution implementation, validation, and interpretation of results, with a focus on developing advanced computational and analytical skills.
GenAI is permitted, but must be acknowledged.

Task Length:

20-40 A4 pages

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Provide accurate solutions to a range of computational mechanics problems	LO1
2	Critically analyze the results from commercial finite element or computational fluid dynamics software package	LO2
3	The report is presented in such a manner that a technically competent person can easily follow and achieve similar results if repeated	LO3

How your final result is determined

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

To satisfy ILO 1, students must achieve an average mark of at least 50% on assessments related to ILO 1, specifically in Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3

To satisfy ILO 2, students must achieve an average mark of at least 50% on assessments related to ILO 2, specifically in Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3.

To satisfy ILO 3, students must achieve an average mark of at least 50% on assessments related to ILO 3, specifically in Assessment Tasks 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.