| FEAkn01 | List the various steps in the analysis/simulation process |
| FEAkn02 | Define the meaning of degree of freedom |
| FEAkn03 | List the nodal degrees of freedom and the associated force actions for common beam, 2D solid, 2D
axisymmetric, 3D solid and shell elements, for the Displacement FEM |
| FEAkn05 | State the variational principle involved in the formulation of the Displacement Finite Element Method and identify the solution quantity assumed within each element |
| FEAkn06 | State the variational principle involved in the formulation of the Equilibrium Finite Element Method
and identify the solution quantity assumed within each element |
| FEAkn07 | Name other finite element methods |
| FEAkn14 | List the possible advantages of applying material properties, loads and boundary conditions to
underlying geometry rather than to finite element entities |
| FEAkn15 | List 2 common solvers for large sets of simultaneous equations |
| FEAco01 | Describe the sources of error inherent in finite element analysis, in general terms |
| FEAco02 | Discuss checks that may be used post-solution to check for the presence of inaccuracy |
| FEAco03 | Explain the term solution residual |
| FEAco04 | Explain the meaning of convergence, including h and p types |
| FEAco05 | Discuss the difficulties that can arise in using a CAD model as the basis for carrying out analysis and
simulation |
| FEAco06 | Discuss the need for a consistent set of units in any analysis and illustrate possible pitfalls |
| FEAco07 | Explain why strains and stresses are generally less accurate than displacements for any given mesh of
elements, using the Displacement FEM |
| FEAco09 | Explain the meaning of the term ill-conditioned when used in the context of a set of solution
equations and illustrate physical situations where this might reflect reality |
| FEAco13 | Explain how the structural stiffness matrix is assembled from the individual element matrices |
| FEAco17 | Explain the process of Gaussian Quadrature and the terms Reduced Integration, Shear Locking and Mechanisms |
| FEAco18 | Explain the term Isoparametric Element |
| FEAco20 | Discuss the terms C0 and C1 Continuity |
| FEAco25 | Explain the term Bubble Function or Nodeless Variable |
| FEAco28 | Explain why element distortion generally results in poorer results |
| FEAco29 | Discuss the term Flying Structure or Insufficiently Constrained Structure |
| FEAco35 | Discuss the terms Validation and Verification and highlight their importance |
| FEAco39 | Discuss the Geometric Stiffness Matrix and highlight situations where it becomes important |
| FEAap01 | Employ an analysis system for the determination of stresses and strains in small displacement, linear elastic problems |
| FEAap04 | Illustrate the various steps in the Displacement Finite Element Method from assumed displacement
polynomial to determination of stresses |
| FEAap10 | Illustrate various physical situations which will result in a Stress Singularity and explain why it is not
appropriate to use finite element results at such locations directly |
| FEAap12 | Employ a range of post-solution checks to determine the integrity of FEA results |
| FEAap13 | Conduct validation studies in support of FEA |
| FEAap14 | Carry out sensitivity studies |
| FEAan03 | Analyse the results from sensitivity studies and draw conclusions from trends |
| FEAsy01 | Prepare an analysis specification, including modelling strategy, highlighting any assumptions relating
to geometry, loads, boundary conditions and material properties |
| FEAsy02 | Develop an analysis strategy that enables the relative significance of individual model parameters and
their interactions to be evaluated |
| FEAsy04 | Prepare quality assurance procedures for finite element analysis activities within an organisation |
| FEAsy06 | Contribute to the development of a competency process that supports staff technical development |
| FEAsy08 | Prepare a validation plan in support of a FEA study |
| FEAev02 | Assess the significance of neglecting any feature or detail in any idealisation |
| FEAev03 | Assess the significance of simplifying geometry, material models, loads or boundary conditions |
| SIMMkn06 | State simulation V&V principles |
| SIMMco06 | Explain the terms Verification and Validation |
| SIMMco07 | Explain the term solution verification |
| SIMMco08 | Explain the term code verification |
| SIMMap03 | Conduct validation studies in support of simulation |
| SIMMap04 | Perform basic model checks |
| SIMMsy07 | Prepare a validation plan in support of a FEA study |
| NGECkn01 | Identify the common structural and thermal contact facilities available in a finite element system, eg
friction models and constraint enforcement methods |
| NGECkn02 | Identify the algorithms commonly used to follow non-linear equilibrium paths in a finite element
system |
| NGECkn04 | Identify the extent to which your application software allows modification of geometric non-linear
solution parameters and their potential effect on the solution |
| NGECco01 | Discuss the terms Geometric Strengthening and Geometric Weakening |
| NGECco02 | Explain why the sequence of load application (ie load A followed by B cf. B then A) can give rise to
very different end results and identify examples |
| NGECco03 | Explain how large displacement effects can be handled as a series of linear analyses |
| NGECco04 | Outline how large displacements, plasticity and instability can affect the failure mode and load of a
structure |
| NGECco05 | Discuss the term Load Following |
| NGECco06 | Discuss the concept of Mesh Pre-Distortion |
| NGECco07 | Contrast the terms Large Displacement and Large Strains |
| NGECco09 | Discuss the limitations of contact algorithms available in a finite element system |
| NGECco10 | Discuss the theoretical basis of the contact algorithms available in a finite element system |
| NGECco11 | Explain the challenges of following a highly non-linear equilibrium path with both load control and displacement control |
| NGECco12 | Contrast the Newton-Raphson method with the Riks arc-length method |
| NGECap02 | Conduct large displacement analyses |
| NGECap03 | Carry out large strain analyses |
| NGECap04 | Use an analysis system to carry out contact analyses |
| NGECap05 | Conduct analyses with initial pre-loading, eg bolted assemblies or residual fabrication stresses |
| NGECan01 | Analyse the results from geometrically nonlinear analyses (including contact) and determine whether
they satisfy inherent assumptions |
| NGECsy01 | Plan a series of simple benchmarks in support of a more complex nonlinear analysis |
| NGECsy02 | Plan modelling strategies for geometrically nonlinear problems, including contact |
| NGECev02 | Select appropriate solution schemes for geometrically non-linear problems |
| BINkn01 | Define the term Slenderness Ratio |
| BINkn02 | Define the term Radius of Gyration |
| BINkn03 | Define the Determinant of a matrix |
| BINco01 | Explain the terms Stable Equilibrium, Neutral Equilibrium and Unstable Equilibrium |
| BINco02 | Discuss the term Load Proportionality Factor and explain what a negative value indicates |
| BINco03 | Explain why theoretical Buckling Loads (including those calculated using FEA) often vary significantly
from test values |
| BINco04 | Explain the term Local Buckling and indicate how this can normally be prevented |
| BINco05 | Discuss the snap-through buckling of a shallow spherical shell subjected to a lateral load and explain
why a linear buckling analysis is not appropriate |
| BINco06 | Discuss the term Post-Buckling Strength and illustrate this with examples |
| BINco07 | Explain the term Static Equilibrium as used in structural design codes |
| BINco08 | Explain why symmetry should be used with caution in buckling analyses |
| BINco20 | Discuss the terms lateral buckling and flexural-torsional buckling, and provide examples of where this
behaviour might arise |
| BINap01 | Use tables to evaluate Euler buckling loads for common configurations of columns, plates and shells |
| BINap02 | Conduct eigenvalue buckling analyses |
| BINap03 | Conduct post-buckling analyses |
| MESMkn09 | Sketch a general 3D stress element showing all stress components |
| MESMkn10 | Sketch Mohr Circle for a simple tensile test specimen, illustrating the plane of maximum shear |
| MESMkn11 | Define Hooke's Law |
| MESMkn12 | Define Poisson's Ratio |
| MESMkn13 | Define the relationship between Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio and Shear Modulus |
| MESMkn14 | Sketch the through-thickness shear stress distribution in a rectangular beam subjected to a shearing
load |
| MESMkn18 | List various Failure Hypotheses / Criteria |
| MESMkn20 | Define Tresca and von Mises Stress for a 3D stress state |
| MESMkn21 | State the elastic Constitutive Relations in 2D, for a homogeneous, isotropic material |
| MESMco02 | Explain the terms Uniaxial, Biaxial and Triaxial Stress |
| MESMco04 | Discuss the terms True Stress and Natural Strain |
| PLASkn01 | For a beam under pure bending sketch the developing stress distribution from first yield, to collapse |
| PLASkn07 | Sketch a stress-strain curve for an elastic-perfectly plastic and bi-linear hardening material showing
elastic and plastic modulii |
| PLASkn09 | Identify the extent to which your application software allows modification of nonlinear material
solution parameters |
| PLASco01 | Discuss salient features of the inelastic response of metals |
| PLASco02 | Explain the terms Isotropic Hardening, Kinematic Hardening and Rate Independency |
| PLASco03 | Discuss the role of the Hydrostatic and Deviatoric Stress Components in yield criteria for isotropic,
polycrystalline solids |
| PLASco05 | Explain the terms First Yield Load, Ultimate Load and Plastic Instability Load |
| PLASco10 | Discuss the effects of stress singularities at re-entrant corners on limit load |
| PLASco13 | Outline how the cumulative and incremental displacements, total strains, elastic strains, elastic stresses and plastic strains are related in the finite element solution algorithm |
| PLASco14 | Illustrate typical examples of Local Plastic Deformation and Gross Plastic Deformation |
| PLASco15 | Discuss the term Plastic Hinge |
| PLASco20 | Discuss why implementation of the Tresca Criterion can cause numerical problems in an FEA solution and explain how you might get round the problem |
| PLASco23 | Describe the Bauschinger Effect |
| PLASco25 | Explain why finite element solutions tend to become unstable as the limit load is approached |
| PLASco27 | Explain the process of Stress Redistribution |
| PLASco37 | Describe why the incompressible nature of plastic deformation can cause difficulties with analysis |
| PLASap01 | Define elastic perfectly plastic and bi-linear or multi-linear hardening constitutive data as appropriate |
| PLASap02 | Use FEA to determine Limit Loads for a range of components |
| PLASap03 | Use FEA to determine Plastic Collapse Loads for a range of components |
| PLASsy01 | Specify the use of elastic perfectly plastic and bi-linear or multi-linear hardening constitutive data as
appropriate |
| PLASsy04 | Prepare an analysis specification for a nonlinear material analysis, including modelling strategy,
highlighting any assumptions relating to geometry, loads, boundary conditions and material
properties |
| PLASco39 | Describe variations on the Newton-Raphson technique that can be used to find a converged solution
when analysing problems involving plasticity and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these
approaches |
| PLASco40 | Explain how and why plastic behaviour involves the appearance of residual stresses in a structure |
| DVkn10 | State the typical matrix structure of the discrete differential equation system for linear MDOF
systems |
| DVkn11 | Define the terms free and forced vibration |
| DVkn12 | State typical values for damping in various engineering structures |
| DVco01 | Explain the terms Kinematics and Kinetics |
| DVco04 | Explain the term Conservation of Energy and Conversation of Momentum |
| DVco06 | Discuss the term Relative Motion |
| DVco09 | Explain the term Conservative Forces, Potential, and Strain energy |
| DVco10 | Describe the application of Lagrange's Equation to obtain the differential Equation of Motion |
| DVco11 | Explain the Principle of Virtual Work |
| DVco12 | Explain the use of physical, analytical and mathematical models in a structural dynamics modelling
process |
| DVco13 | Discuss the full discrete linear differential Equation of Motion in matrix terms and explain the terms
Free Response and No Damping |
| DVco14 | Explain the derivation of the General Matrix Eigenvalue Problem (characteristic equation) from the
Equation of Motion |
| DVco15 | Explain different physical forms of Dynamic Loading (Excitation) in a Force Response analysis |
| DVco16 | Explain Harmonic, Periodic, Transient, and Random time response |
| DVco20 | Discuss the term Natural Frequency in relation to a continuum and a discretized system |
| DVco21 | Discuss the phenomenon of Resonance |
| DVco22 | Explain the terms Mode Shape/Eigenvector, Modal Mass, Modal Damping, and Modal Stiffness
Factors |
| DVco25 | Discuss the characteristics of mass and damping matrices |
| DVco27 | Describe the effect of damping on natural frequencies and resonance |
| DVco28 | Describe Free Vibration of undamped and damped systems |
| DVco30 | Discuss the concept of mass and stiffness proportional (Rayleigh) damping |
| DVco33 | Discuss the steady state and total response of a damped system subjected to harmonic excitation |
| DVco34 | Describe the terms Intertia force, Damping force and Stiffness force |
| DVco38 | Discuss various strategies for extraction of eigenvalues and mode shapes, including Lanczos and
Subspace Iteration |
| DVco41 | Discuss the influence of pre-stress on natural frequencies |
| DVco44 | Explain the terms Implicit Solution and Explicit Solution for the time integration of the equations of
motion and the appropriate associated problem classes of dynamic analyses |
| DVco54 | Discuss various approaches to Seismic Analysis and highlight relevant philosophy and analysis
considerations |
| DVco56 | Explain the term response spectra |
| DVap02 | Use appropriate damping idealisations and/or measured modal damping when necessary |
| DVap05 | Employ an analysis system for the determination of natural frequencies and mode shapes |
| DVap06 | Employ an analysis system for the determination of steady state response and frequency response
function for a periodic excitation |
| DVap10 | Employ an analysis system for the simulation of impact |
| DVap13 | Illustrate the approximate nature of finite element analysis, through dynamic examples chosen from
your industry sector |
