Department of Mechanical Engineering
Coursework Assessment Brief Coversheet
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Module code
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MECH0059
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Module name
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Advanced Computer Applications in Engineering
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Academic year
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2025/26
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Term
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Term 2
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Assessment title
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FEA assignment
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Individual/group assessment
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Individual
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Word count or page count limit (if applicable)
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See details in the assignment sheet
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% contribution to module
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50%
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Submission Date
Please see the submission portal on Moodle for the due date for this assessment.
Word count or page count penalty
Work that exceeds the word/page/slide count by more than 10% will be reduced by 10 percentage points. This must not take the mark below the Pass Mark. Any material in addition to the 10% excess may not be taken into account in grading.
Eligibility for Delayed Assessment Permit (DAP)
This assessment is eligible for Delayed Assessment Permit.
Mitigation available: Defer Assessment to next available opportunity – Late Summer Assessment period.
Use of Generative AI
This assignment is classified as Category 1: AI tools cannot be used. More implications of this can be found in the assessment brief.
Assessment Brief
MECHGM0059: Advanced Computer Applications in Engineering
Finite Element Analysis
THE PROBLEM
Develop a finite element program based on 4 noded quadrilateral elements, using MATLAB to estimate the deformation of the structure shown in Figure 1A.
Part 1: Write a MATLAB program to calculate the stiffness matrix of a two-dimensional plane stress 4 noded quadrilateral element as shown in Figure 1B. Assume E=40 GPa, ʋ=0.3 and plate thickness is 2 mm.
Part 2: Use your program in Part 1 to determine the displacement and strain in Figure 1A, consisted of 2 and 4 quadrilateral elements. Assume E=40 GPa, ʋ=0.3 and plate thickness of 2 mm. Note do not change the dimensions in Figure 1 (except “L” as per Figure 1C) and use the element arrangement that you think is most appropriate.
Part 3: Re-run your program in Part 2 to determine the displacement and strain, (i) for three additional elastic modulus (ii) for three additional loading conditions i.e. changing the loading direction from θ=90° . Keep other variables constant.
Your slides must compare/comment on the:
• displacement and strain results obtained from different elements, material properties and loading conditions
• validity of your program, here you are expected to model the same structure using a commercial program (i.e. ANSYS Mechanical APDL) and compare your results against it.
Figure 1: (A) A thin plate loaded; (B) a single four-noded element; (C) based on the first letter of your family name chose the right value of L for the plate design.
GUIDELINES
• Prepare 3 power point (.ppt) slides summarising your work.
• Slides must be static i.e. simply include all information on the slides.
• Prepare clear figures that are self-explanatory, examiners know what is the task so no need to repeat the task.
• No need for introductory slides with your name, simply put your name in the top corner of the first slide.
• You must submit your power point slides (in .pdf format i.e. save the .ppt as .pdf) together with the MATLAB code online on the relevant moodle page by 0900 (UK time) on 12th January 2026. The viva panel will use your submitted slides as the visual aid to begin their assessment and Q&A.
• Attend an in person, individual based question and answer session (viva session) arranged in the week of 12th Jan 2026. The viva will be conducted by two independent examiners. The date for this will be announced on moodle by mid Dec 2025.
• During the viva session you will be asked various questions about your work. Some examples include:
o What is the finite element method and how it works?
o Explaining the figures and findings included on your slides.
o Explaining how your code works.
o Rationale behind your findings.
• At the end of the viva you will be provided with a short oral feedback on your viva that you can record on your phone.
• If you can, bring your work on your own laptop including your MATLAB code. If you cannot bring your laptop you must bring your MATLAB code on a memory stick.
• International System of Units (or SI units) must be adopted throughout the work.
• This assignment is in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Category 1: AI tools cannot be used.
• This is an individual assessment and any form. of collusion between students will be academic misconduct.
• You might find the supporting information given in the following webpage useful:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/academic-support/second-year-undergraduate/support-your-assignments
• Note this assessment will address all module learning outcomes outlined for this module (see L0 and L1 ofFEA lecture slides - e.g. to understand the fundamental ofFE method and appreciate structure ofFE programs). Moreover, it will guide you into scientific/professional presentation skills required at FHEQ Level 7.
• You will be marked on three categories: Slides [20 marks]; technical content [50 marks]; discussion and critical analysis [30 marks]. See marking rubric document.
REFERENCE
[1] Seshu P. Textbook of finite element analysis. PHI Learning Private Limited 2003.