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Structural Dynamics and Modelling (CVEN90018)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject introduces students to the fundamental concepts of structural dynamics and finite element modelling and teaches students the skills of undertaking structural analyses which involve dynamic (or transient) actions in a practical engineering context. At the conclusion of this subject students should be able to undertake dynamic analyses by hand calculations (that can be enhanced by the use of EXCEL spreadsheets) and effectively employ a commercial computational package (e.g. Strand 7) for more complex analyses. Emphasis is on the ability to undertake independent checks of results generated by the computer. Improved proficiencies in structural dynamics and modelling will result in more economical design of structures and a more sustainable built environment. This subject builds on students’ fundamental knowledge of engineering mathematics, mechanics and structural analysis. For students considering a career in structural design for earthquake resistant structures this is an important subject to prepare for professional practice as a graduate under the supervision of a chartered engineer.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include: introduction to finite element formulations for in-plane (membrane) stress analysis, use of finite element modelling packages; the response analyses of single-degree-of-freedom systems, discrete multi-degree-of-freedom systems and distributed mass (continuous) systems in conditions of natural vibrations and forced excitations; numerical time-step integration techniques; excitation simulation techniques, simultaneous equation solution and reduction techniques; frequency domain analyses and processing of time-series data. Skills acquired from the various topics outlined above will be integrated and applied to a number of case studies.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion fo this subject the student is expected to:
- Implement the modelling of the response of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems to pulse and harmonic excitations
- Describe and apply the concepts of viscous damping, hysteretic damping, coulomb damping (by friction) and equivalent damping
- Transform data from time-domain to frequency domain in the form of Fourier Amplitude/Phase spectra and Power spectra, and apply linear transformation
- Implement the modelling of the response of discrete lumped mass multi-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems involving the use of the participation factor, effective modal mass and modal coefficients based on the principles of modal superposition
- Obtain classical solutions for the dynamic response behaviour of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems based on harmonic excitations and common idealised forms of transient excitations
- Implement on spreadsheets time-step integration procedures for analysing the response of SDOF systems to a range of transient excitations including earthquake excitations, and collation of the response output to produce elastic response spectra of different formats
- Implement on spreadsheets the response analyses of simple discrete MDOF systems using principles of modal superposition
- Apply finite element modelling packages to perform static and dynamic response analysis to a variety of dynamic loading options
- Undertake independent checks of analysis results by hand calculations.
Generic skills
- Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
- Proficiency in engineering design
- Ability to conduct an engineering project
- Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
- Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into or selection of one of the following:
- MC-CIVENG Master of Civil Engineering
- Civil specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering
- Structural specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering
- 746ST Master of Engineering Structures
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Learning will be assisted by knowledge gained in the following subjects:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CVEN90049 | Structural Theory and Design 2 | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assignment 1. No more than 1000 words. Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 3, 6 and 7.
| Week 6 | 15% |
Assignment 2. No more than 2000 words. Addressing ILO,s 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9.
| End of semester | 35% |
One written examination. ILOs 1, 2, 4 and 5 are addressed in the examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Nelson Lam Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 49 hours (Lectures: 3 hours per week; Tutorials: 12 hours per semester: Laboratory: 1 hour per semester) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Anil K. Chopra (2012) Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering (4th Edition). Pearson/Prentice Hall.
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials both of which feature the use of programming with EXCEL spreadsheets for analysis purposes. In addition, students will undertake experiments to reinforce materials covered in the lectures and also a design exercise which involves applying the learnt techniques in solving structural design/evaluation problems that are likely to be encountered in practice.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCESStudents will have access to lecture slides.
The recommended text is Anil K. Chopra (2012) Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering (4th Edition). Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Other resources include selected journal publications; EXCEL spreadsheets showing examples of numerical simulations and Strand7 computational package.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
A practising specialist in the field of structural dynamics will contribute to the teaching of the subject and give advice on the assignment exercises. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Engineering Structures Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Civil Specialisation (formal) Structural - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024