Computational Tools

Catalog description

This course gives students physical insights as well as introductory skills on the use of modern computational tools in solving mechanical engineering problems. The course has two main thrusts: 1) finite element analysis for structural/thermal mechanics and 2) computational fluid dynamics for fluid flows. Students will use commercial codes to solve fundamental problems associated with statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. Particular emphasis will be placed on comparing simulation results to analytical solutions. Students will also use the computational tools to parametrically study the solution space that enable informed design strategies. This class will prepare mechanical engineering students to solve technical problems in their courses, summer internships, and ultimately in their engineering career.