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Structural Dynamics and Modelling (CVEN90018)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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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 (On Campus - 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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assignment 1. No more than 1000 words. Addressing Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 3, 6 and 7.

  • 20 hours (of work required)
Week 615%

Assignment 2. No more than 2000 words. Addressing ILO,s 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9.

  • 45-50 hours (of work required)
End of semester35%

One written examination. ILOs 1, 2, 4 and 5 are addressed in the examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 31 January 2024

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorNelson Lam
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours49 hours (Lectures: 3 hours per week; Tutorials: 12 hours per semester: Laboratory: 1 hour per semester)
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024
    Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024
    Census date 2 September 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail20 September 2024
    Assessment period ends15 November 2024

    Semester 2 contact information

    Associate Professor Nelson Lam

    ntkl@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

200 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
    - Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

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 RESOURCES

    Students 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:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Engineering Structures
    CourseDoctor of Philosophy - Engineering
    CoursePh.D.- Engineering
    CourseMaster 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