EE789/697 Multiphysics Finite Element Method

Multiphysics modeling is required for solving a wide range of problems.  Especially,  those that are multidisciplinary in nature.  The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a very versatile and powerful analytical tool when dealing with coupled effects of complex physical phenomena such as electromechanical, thermomechanical, micro- and nano-technology, microelectromechanical, etc.  often found in  engineering  fields  such  as  bioengineering,  microenginee ring,  electromagnetics,  microfluidics  and robotics.  The main focus of the course is on multiphysics mode ling, i.e.  on the integration of different physical phenomena into a computational model.  The course will therefore provide students with a working knowledge in the fundamental mathematical and physical basis of FEM. By the end of the course, students should be able to know how to do build FEM models of physical problems, develop critical thinking in interpreting results from FEM analysis, and identify incorrect results.  Moreover, validate experimental results against numerical modeling.

Learning objectives

• Develop working knowledge in the fundamental mathematical and physical basis of FEM.
• Know how to do build FEM models of physical problems using suitable shape functions and apply appropriate constraints and boundary conditions along with external loads followed by an analysis.
• Develop and exercise critical thinking in interpreting results from FEM analysis. This will include the ability to identify bad results by looking at deflected shapes, stress contours, eigenfrequency animations as well as field distributions.
• Be able to develop a complete FEM solution strategy for analysis of different systems.