Course detail

Introduction to FEM

FSI-KFEAcad. year: 2025/2026

The finite element method (FEM) is currently widely used in the design of process equipment. This course is a first part of a two-semester course aimed at acquainting students with the basic principles, advantages and limitations of FEM. Students will learn how to perform analyses in the ANSYS Workbench software. This course is directly followed by Application of FEM course which is focused on solving practical problems from the industry.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Vojtěch Turek, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Process Engineering (ÚPI)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of elasticity and strength of structures, solid mechanics, limit states, theory of materials and 2D/3D modelling.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course-unit credit will be awarded for taking an active part in the lessons.


Presence in the lessons is compulsory. Absences are compensated by individual study of the respective topics.

Aims

The aim is to familiarize students with the finite element method and its use in process equipment strength calculations.


Students will gain practical experience in the finite element method calculations focusing on the process industry (pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping, …). The acquired theoretical and practical knowledge can be expanded in the "Application of FEM (KAM)" course the next semester which prepares students for the successful FEM application in solving problems in the industry.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Lee, H.-H.: Finite element simulations with ANSYS workbench 14: Theory, applications, case studies. Schroff Development Corp., Mission, KS, USA, 2012. (EN)

Recommended reading

Huebner, K. H.; Dewhirst, D. L.; Smith, D. E.; Byron, T. G.: The finite element method for engineers, 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2001. (EN)
Schneider, P.; Vykutil, J.: Aplikovaná metoda konečných prvků: lineární elastická analýza rotačních skořepinových konstrukcí. PC-DIR, Brno, 1997. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-PRI-P Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Computer-assisted exercise

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Vojtěch Turek, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to FEM
  2. Beam elements
  3. 2D analyses
  4. Shell structures
  5. 3D analyses
  6. Heat conduction and thermal analyses
  7. Transient analyses
  8. Parametrization
  9. Stress categories
10. Contact problems
11. Advanced meshing methods
12. Possibilities of results evaluation - postprocessing