The Swiss engineering master's degree

This course provides a comprehensible introduction to basic concepts of continuum mechanics, material modelling and failure assessment for metals and polymers.

The students learn the fundamentals of tensor algebra and gain comprehensible insight into the governing mechanical and thermo-mechanical concepts of continuum mechanics. On this basis, an overview is given of state of the art material models for metals and polymers to empower students to competently select advanced material models as implemented in modern Finite Element tools. Finally, the lecture provides a clear insight into the microstructural foundations of failure in metals as well as an overview of mechanical assessment methods as applied in engineering practice. The course is accompanied by regular exercises and hands-on workshops in which advanced material models and assessment methods are applied to practical problems.

Prerequisites

Learning Objectives

• Basic tensor algebra and calculus
  • Vector and tensor algebra
  • Tensor properties and decompositions
• Continuum mechanics
  • Kinematics (deformation measures)
    
  • Kinetics (stress measures)
  • Equilibrium equations
  • Balance laws
• Material behaviour & models for metals
  • Basic modelling principles
  • Elasticity and anisotropy
  • Plasticity
• Material behaviour & models for polymers
  • Hyperelasticity
  • Plasticity (influence of hydrostatic pressure)
  • Damage & fracture of adhesives

Contents of Module

• Students are familiar with basic tensor algebra to understand fundamental continuum mechanical concepts.
• Students are familiar with the building blocks of continuum mechanics such as kinematics and kinetics concepts as well as equilibrium equations and balance laws as governing equations of mechanical problems.
• Students have a broad understanding of the basic material behaviour of metals and polymers including elasticity, hyperelasticity, plasticity, visco-elasticity, visco-plasticity and creep / relaxation as well as isotropy, orthotropy and anisotropy.
• Students are able to appropriately select and deploy linear and non-linear material models in Finite Element simulations.
• Students know the basic failure mechanisms for metals and polymers; they are able to select appropriate mechanical assessment methods and perform basic assessments.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Frontal Teaching (ca. 60%), exercises and 2 workshops incl. Finite Element application (ca. 40%)

Literature

Script

Further literature (sorted by comprehensiveness and level of difficulty):

• Gross D. et al. (2018) Technische Mechanik 4 – Hydromechanik, Elemente der Höheren Mechanik, Numerische Methoden, 10. Auflage. Springer Vieweg. (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-55694-8)
• Altenbach H. (2018) Kontinuumsmechanik – Einführung in die materialunabhängigen und materialabhängigen Gleichungen, 4. Auflage. Springer Vieweg. (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-57504-8)
• Lemaitre J. & Chaboche J.-L. (2000) Mechanics of Solid Materials. Cambridge University Press. (https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139167970)
• Bergström J (2015) Mechanics of Solid Polymers, Theory and Computational Modeling. William Andrew Publishing. (https://doi.org/10.1016/C2013-0-15493-1)
• Ottoson N. & Ristinmaa M. (2005) The Mechanics of Constitutive Modeling, 1st Edition. Elsevier Science. (https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-044606-6.X5000-0)