Master Computational Mechanical Design

Computational
Mechanical Design

Computational
Mechanical Design

DESCRIPTION

The Module on Computational Mechanical Design is addressed to graduates in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, etc.), Materials Science or Physics.

The contents of the Computational Mechanical Design Module provide the student with the capabilities to develop and to improve mechanical designs and applications by using advanced computational analysis and modelling techniques, preparing him/her for an engineer career in a related industry and, if the student wishes, opening the door for continuing to a Ph.D. thesis.

It focuses specifically on the integration of mechanical design, optimisation, dynamic behaviour and use of advanced materials in mechanical applications with computational tools.

This Module may be taken full-time in one year or part-time over two years.

PHASE 1. SYLLABUS (October-January)

The finite element method in structural mechanics: The course introduces the student on the resolution of mechanical and structural problems using the Finite Element Method. The course emphasizes the formulation to understand how finite element methods work rather than black-box recipes. The course covers the formulation of finite element methods for linear-elastic problems and provides the foundation for other advanced computational mechanics courses.

Solid mechanics: This course introduces theoretical concepts such as conservation principles, equations of movement and behaviour in material mechanics, strain and stress and elasticity, failure criteria, damage and plasticity modelling. Practical aspects are also covered including tests in mechanical laboratory, extensometry and digital image correlation and examples of engineering problems.

Fracture mechanics: This module introduces the theoretical background to predict the failure of a structural component and describes the computational techniques that make use of these approaches in modern design.

Pre and post-process tools for structural finite element analyses: This course introduces the different modelling techniques and options available in commercial finite element packages. The student will learn from basic modelling and meshing techniques to more advanced aspects such as non-linear analyses involving non-linear behaviour of materials or contact, heat transfer and dynamic analysis.

Applied mechanics of materials and structures (1^st and 2^nd Phases): Applied examples of real and simulated cases in engineering of mechanics of materials and structures. Cases of problem solving and projects in mechanics of materials and structures in different areas: products and machinery industry, transport industry (vehicles, aerospace, etc.) and building.

Seminars on mechanics of materials and structures (1^st and 2^nd Phases): This course introduces different aspects related to the mechanics of materials and structures such as computational tools, types and selection of structural materials and experimental techniques for the mechanical characterization of structural materials. Statistical techniques and methods in mechanics of materials and structures and scientific and technical communication techniques are also covered.

PHASE 2. SYLLABUS (February-March)

Design and analysis of composites with finite elements: In this course the student will learn how to design and analyse composite materials using computational and finite element methods including analysis of elastic properties, lamination theory, hygrothermal effects, failure criteria, delamination and micromechanics.

Optimisation in engineering mechanics: The course covers the main theoretical aspects on optimization: Formulation of the optimization problem; Classical (differential) methods; Modern methods: genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization; Multiobjective optimization. Nevertheless, the approach is practical since different softwares are used to solve the optimization problems: Excel, MATLAB, ANSYS. Simple but real-life mechanical engineering problems are presented and solved in class and by the student.

Mechanical design with finite elements: Nowadays, the design of Mechanical Elements cannot be understood without the use of Finite Element Method, either with specific commercial programmes (ANSYS, ABAQUS, etc) or integrated applications within a CAD packages (INVENTOR, SOLIDWORKS, etc). FEM is applied to analyse machine elements, aeronautical or ground vehicle structures, or energy systems subjected to constant and to variable forces.

Structural dynamics: The subject has a modular setup. The first half of the course is common for all the students and it is focused to establish and work the bases of dynamics. During the second half the student goes on with one of these two modules: impact on structures and seismic design of buildings. The impact is extended to structural elements, such as buildings or airplanes. Seismic design is based on developing a project. First of all a conventional earthquake resistant building will be designed and sized by using lateral equivalent forces. After this the building will be redesigned with the use of energy dissipation devices or base isolation.

PHASE 3. MASTER'S FINAL PROJECT

Finally, students undertake a full-time project beginning in March-April, and until the beginning of September. It is expected that most of the projects will be related to activities of interest to the industries that collaborate with the master and/or related to running research projects within the research group AMADE of the University of Girona. Company internships are also possible for students that prefer to undertake the bulk of their project in industry.

TEACHING STAFF

JOSEP COSTAProfessor of Materials Science and Engineering

I teach undergraduate subjects on Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Materials and Functional Materials. In the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Fracture Mechanics and Composite Materials. My research activity is focused on the mechanical characterization and simulation of continuous fiber composites for structural applications, mainly in the field of aeronautics.

ALBERT TURONAssociate professor of Mechanics of Continuum Media and Theory of Structures

I teach undergraduate subjects on Mechanics of Materials and on the Finite Element Method in Engineering. In THE MMS Master I contribute to the courses The Finite Element Method and Non-linear Analysis of Structures. My research is focused in the mechanical and computational analysis of structures to improve their structural integrity for advanced applications.

PERE MAIMÍAssociate professor (TU) of Theory of Machines and Mechanisms

I teach undergraduate subjects on Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering and Machine theory. In the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Solid Mechanics and Advanced Constitutive Modeling. My research activity is focused on the mechanical simulation of composite materials.

NORBERT BLANCOAssociate professor of Mechanical Engineering

I teach undergraduate subjects on Mechanical Design and Machine Elements. In the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Pre and Post-Process Tools for Structural Finite Element Analyses, Design and Analysis of Composites with Finite Elements and Manufacturing and Experimental Techniques for Composites. My research activity is focused on the mechanical characterization and simulation of continuous fiber composites for structural applications, mainly in the field of aeronautics.

DANI TRIASProfessor in the Engineering Mechanics field

I teach both undergraduate courses (Mechanics for Engineers and Optimization for Engineering Mechanics) and graduate courses in the MMS Master (Fracture Mechanics, Optimum Design for Engineering Mechanics. My research interests are the optimization of composite material structures, micromechanics of composite materials and fracture of composite materials.

JORDI RENARTLecturer of Continuum Mechanics and Theory of Structures

I teach undergraduate subjects on Strength of Materials in the MMS Master. I contribute to the courses of Solid Mechanics and Manufacturing and experimental techniques for composites. My research activity is focused on the experimental characterization and simulation of adhesive joints between continuous fiber composites for structural applications, mainly in the field of aeronautics.

JORDI FARJASAssociate professor at the University

I teach undergraduate subjects on Fundamentals Physics and Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering. At present I am a member of the Materials and Thermodynamics Group (GRMT) at the University of Girona. This group is specialized in thermal analysis methods. In particular we apply thermoanalytical methods to study materials. In the past, I worked in the analysis of polymers and amorphous semiconductors. From the last ten years, I analyze the processes that take place during the synthesis of YBCO superconductors via chemical solution deposition methods.

EMILIO GONZÁLEZProfessor of Engineering Mechanics

I teach undergraduate subjects on Fundamentals of Mechanics. In the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Finite Element Method and Design and Analysis of Composites by Finite Elements. My research activity is focused on the mechanical characterization and simulation of continuous fiber composites for structural applications, mainly in the field of aeronautics and under low-velocity impact loading.

XAVIER CAHÍSIndustrial and Mechanical Engineer

I teach on Steel Structures in Mechanical Engineering, and Seismic Design in the MMS Master. I have focused my research on seismic design with elastoplastic energy dissipators.

NARCÍS GASCONSAssociate professor in the Mechanical Engineering area

Currently I teaching Machine Theory and Machine Design courses in the undergraduate level. In the MMS Master I have been imparting the introduction to Structural Dynamics. My research is now focusing on Variable Stiffness Laminates.

MARTA BAENAProfessor of Mechanical and Construction Engineering

I teach undergraduate subjects on Elasticity and Strength of Materials and Structures. In the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Pre and post-process tools for structural finite element analysis. My research activity is focused on the analysis and simulation of reinforced concrete for structural applications, with special emphasis on FRP reinforcement.

LLUIS TORRESProfessor of Structural Engineering

I teach undergraduate subjects on Strength of Materials, Structural Analysis, and Concrete Structures in the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Advanced Structural Analysis and Advanced Concrete Design. My research activity is focused on the experimental study and numerical simulation of concrete structures reinforced or strengthened with conventional and advanced materials.

CRISTINA BARRISLecturer at the University of Girona of Structural Engineering

I teach undergraduate subjects of Strength of Materials and Structures. In the MMS Master I contribute to the courses of Advanced Concrete Design and Pre and Post Process Tools for Structural Finite Element Analysis. My research activities are focused on concrete structures reinforced with composite materials.

JOAN ANDREU MAYUGOAssociate professor of Mechanical Engineering area

I teach dynamic mechanics and mechanical design courses. In the MMS Master I am currently imparting Mechanical Design with Finite Elements subject. I am also investigator of research group AMADE where I work on characterization and simulation of advanced composites materials for structural applications.

LINO MONTOROAssociate professor of Heat Engines

I teach undergraduate subjects on Engineering Thermodynamics and Thermal and Hydraulic Machines.

In the MMS Master my lessons are based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid structure interaction (FSI) analysis. My research activity is focused on thermoelectric energy harvesting, particularly in electricity generation by thermoelectric devices from vehicle exhaust pipe.

TONI PUJOLAssociate professor of Fluid Mechanics

I teach undergraduate subjects on Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Machinery. In the MMS Master I contribute to the Seminars on Mechanics of Materials and Structures by introducing the fluid-structure interaction topic. My main lines of research are focused on combustion processes in solid fuels and low speed hydraulic turbomachinery.

INTERNATIONALLY RELEVANT TEACHERS

Besides University of Girona staff, each academic year, internationally relevant teachers, researchers an professionals of the field are invited to give lectures and seminars to master students. In the recent past the following persons participated in the master: