Skip to main content
 

ENGI47515: Non-Linear Solid Mechanics

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To provide an overview of non-linear solid mechanics problems.
  • To develop advanced knowledge and understanding of problems involved material and geometric non-linearity and contact and friction.
  • This module will allow graduates to develop skills in solving non-linear problems using numerical and analytical techniques.

Content

  • Fundamentals of large deformation mechanics and plasticity theory.
  • Integration of elasto-plastic constitutive models.
  • Analytical solutions to contact problems.
  • Numerical treatment of contact problems.
  • Fundamentals of frictional and lubrication.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • An appreciation of the limitations on linear analysis and an understanding of the consequences of including geometric and material non-linearity.
  • An understanding of the fundamental components of finite deformation mechanics and elasto-plasticity.
  • An understanding of the fundamental concepts of contact analysis and the critical ability to select an appropriate numerical tool to tackle a specific contact problem.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practises along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.

Key Skills:

  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Highly specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by self-learning sessions and formative problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
  • Students can make use of staff "office hours" to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for one hour per week per lecture course.
  • Students will be required to submit formative problem sheets throughout the academic year into the virtual learning environment to check their understanding as the course progresses.
  • Students will be formed into study groups and will attend timetabled self-learning sessions (up to a maximum of two) during the Michalemas and Epiphany terms.
  • A benchmark test will take place at the start of the academic year. This will be used to guage students understanding and direct them to further study as appropriate.
  • A mock exam will take place in the Epiphany term. This will be used to provide students with an exam type experience in a formative setting and allow them to discuss their performance with a member of academic staff.
  • A single examination covers all of the lecture material. Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Benchmark Test1Completed during Induction Week30 mins0.5 
Lectures20Typically 1 per week1 hour20 
Revision Leacture11 hour1 
Tutorial HoursAs requiredWeekly sign-up sessionsUp to 1 hour12 
Self learning session 2Throughout first two terms 3 hours (includes 1 hour preparation to be completed before attending the session) 6 
Practice Exam1Epiphany Term 30 mins0.5 
Preparation & reading 110 
Total 150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written online examination 2 hours100Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is provided by means of formative problem sheets, benchmark test and mock examinations.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.