Finite Element Principles Courses
Coming soon!
The Practice in Finite Element Principles courses are a 100% online, non-credit, three-course certificate program provided by The Ohio State University College of Engineering SIMCenter. Complete a contact form and we will email you with the next available session dates.
This program is designed for engineers and other practitioners who wish to learn more and increase their skills in Finite Element Principles. Three out of four courses must be completed in order to earn the certification, but students have the option to take standalone courses for targeted learning. Four CEUs are granted upon successful completion of each course.
What you'll learn
- Recognize connections between theoretical (mathematical) concepts and modeling choices.
- Recognize that the data generated by CAE tools needs to be critically evaluated.
- Pursue integrating CAE into their work.
Details
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A total weekly time commitment of 6-8 hours. Please note, every learner is different so this is only a guideline.
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Each course duration is 10 weeks.
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Individual courses are $1000. Students can take three out of the four courses to earn the certificate for $2,500.
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Pre-recorded course lectures are available 24/7 through the university's Learning Management System called Carmen.
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Instructional material equivalent to a one-semester credit hour class
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Each course offering is tied to the academic calendar; therefore, they operate with specific start and end dates. Students must complete each course during the specific time frame. Access to the online course and materials is removed when the course ends.
Course offerings
The courses are designed to be taken in the following sequence. To earn a certificate, take 3 out of the 4 courses or individually for targeted learning.
Accordions
Coming Soon! This is the first course in the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles sequence. Three must be taken to earn the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles. Complete a contact form and we will email you with the next available session dates.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should successfully be able to:
- Explain linear static assumptions.
- Demonstrate the derivation of element stiffness matrix using the direct method as well as the potential energy approach.
- Relate the concepts of a global stiffness matrix, nodal degrees of freedom, and boundary condition definitions.
- Relate element order to shape functions; isoparametric mapping to mesh quality.
- Express the role of numerical integration in the finite element method.
- Construct, execute, and interpret linear structural finite element models.
Finite Element Software
To complete the requirements of this course students will be required to complete a project using finite element software. Before enrolling in these courses students should be able to:
- Build a mesh from CAD geometry
- Apply material definitions to model
- Apply loads and boundary conditions
- Visualize results
Students are encouraged to use the software of their choice. If FE software and/or hardware is not available to the student virtual classroom space will be provided through an agreement with the Ohio Supercomputing Center (OSC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to learn more about how this course is delivered 100% online!
Click here to learn about grades, reimbursement and other FAQs.
Coming soon! This course is in the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles series. Students must complete three out of the four courses to earn the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles. Complete a contact form and we'll email you with the next available session dates.
If you choose to take this course on its own it is expected that you have foundational knowledge in finite element principles. (e.g. linear static assumptions and element stiffness matrix, assembling a global stiffness matrix, nodal DOFs, boundary conditions, governing equations, potential energy approach, shape functions, derivation of [K], isoparametric mapping, and Jacobian).
Each course offering is tied to the academic calendar; therefore, they operate with specific start and end dates. Students must complete each course during the specific time frame.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should successfully be able to:
- Explain fundamental mechanical vibration concepts.
- Describe the underlying theory for common dynamic solution methodologies employed in finite element software.
- Interpret results in the time, frequency, and modal domains.
- Understand the assumptions and select appropriate damping models.
- Construct, execute, and interpret dynamic structural finite element models.
Details
- Approximate time commitment of 6-8 hours a week. Please note, every learner is different so this is only a guideline.
- Course duration: 10 weeks.
- Cost: $1000
- Pre-recorded course lectures are available 24/7 through the university's learning management system, Carmen.
- Instructional material equivalent to a one-semester credit hour class
Finite Element Software
To complete the requirements of this course students will be required to complete a project using finite element software. Before enrolling in these courses students should be able to:
- Build a mesh from CAD geometry
- Apply material definitions to model
- Apply loads and boundary conditions
- Visualize results
Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to learn more about how this course is delivered 100% online!
Click here to learn about grades, reimbursement and other FAQs.
Coming soon! This course is in the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles series. Students must complete three out of the four courses to earn the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles. Complete a contact form and we will email you with the next available session dates.
If you choose to take this course on its own it is expected you have foundational knowledge in finite element principles (e.g. linear static assumptions and element stiffness matrix, assembling a global stiffness matrix, nodal DOFs, boundary conditions, governing equations, potential energy approach, shape functions, derivation of [K], isoparametric mapping, and Jacobian). Registration priority is given to students working toward the full certificate.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should successfully be able to:
- Explain Fourier’s law, material properties, and boundary conditions for hear conduction.
- Describe the underlying theory for the finite difference method.
- Compare implicit and explicit time integration schemes.
- Describe the Finite Element Method including elements, nodes, shape functions, and the element stiffness matrix.
- Describe integration points and jacobian in the finite element method.
- Construct, execute, and interpret heat conduction finite element models.
Finite Element Software
To complete the requirements of this course students will be required to complete a project using finite element software. Before enrolling in these courses students should be able to:
- Build a mesh from CAD geometry
- Apply material definitions to model
- Apply loads and boundary conditions
- Visualize results
Students are encouraged to use the software of their choice. If FE software and/or hardware is not available to the student virtual classroom space will be provided through an agreement with the Ohio Supercomputing Center (OSC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to learn more about how this course is delivered 100% online!
Click here to learn about grades, reimbursement and other FAQs.
Coming soon! This course is in the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles series. Students must complete three courses to earn the Certification in Practice of Finite Element Principles. Complete a contact form and we will email you with the next available session dates.
If you choose to take this course on its own it is expected you have foundational knowledge in finite element principles (e.g. linear static assumptions and element stiffness matrix, assembling a global stiffness matrix, nodal DOFs, boundary conditions, governing equations, potential energy approach, shape functions, derivation of [K], isoparametric mapping, and Jacobian). Registration priority is given to students working toward the full certificate.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should successfully be able to:
- Recognize geometric nonlinearities for Finite Element Analysis.
- Describe stability and buckling analysis.
- Define material nonlinearity.
- Apply the Lagrange multiplier contact method.
- Apply the penalty method for contact analysis.
Finite Element Software
To complete the requirements of this course students will be required to complete a project using finite element software. Before enrolling in these courses students should be able to:
- Build a mesh from CAD geometry
- Apply material definitions to model
- Apply loads and boundary conditions
- Visualize results
Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to learn more about how this course is delivered 100% online!
Click here to learn about grades, reimbursement and other FAQs.
Course prerequisites
Education
A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is strongly recommended.
Finite Element Software
To complete the requirements of this course students will be required to complete a project using finite element software. Before enrolling in these courses students should be able to:
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Build a mesh from CAD geometry
-
Apply material definitions to model
-
Apply loads and boundary conditions
-
Visualize results
Students are encouraged to use the software of their choice. If FE software and/or hardware is not available to the student virtual classroom space will be provided through an agreement with the Ohio Supercomputing Center (OSC).
Computational Skills
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Using computational approaches will reinforce skills required for computational engineering in a broader sense.
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Homework problems should be solved using MATLAB, Python, or other computational tools. Octave is similar to MATLAB and is freeware.
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Students will be asked to solve problems by generating basic scripts for homework assignments
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Minimal previous experience will be needed
Engineering Concepts
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Basic concepts of stress, strain, Hooke’s Law
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Material properties such as Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio
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Free body diagrams
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Beam equations
Linear Algebra
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Matrix Multiplication
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Matrix Transpose
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Identity Matrix
Calculus
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Differentiation
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Integration
Software and Hardware Requirements
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Computer with high-speed internet connection for online course
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Computer capable of running FE software for project assignments
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Students may use any appropriate software tool for the course.
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No technical support will be provided from OSU staff for FE software being used by students
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If FE software and/or hardware is not available to the student virtual classroom space will be provided through an agreement with the Ohio Supercomputing Center (OSC).
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Note: Software training and support is not provided.
Cancellation and refunds
A full refund minus a $50 administrative fee will be made if cancellation is received one week prior to the start of the course. No refunds within one week of the course start date.
Course fee assistance available through State of Ohio TechCred
TechCred is a program that assists Ohio employers in training their workforce, provides companies with reimbursement of up to $2000 for enrolling their employees in approved science, technology, engineering, and math training courses. SIMCenter’s Foundations in Finite Element Principles course was added to the list of preapproved courses. Learn more here
Learn more about the program!
Questions?
For more information, review our FAQ or contact our program mananger:
Thea Bailey
bailey.608@osu.edu
(614) 292-5333
Frequently asked questions
Click here to learn about grades, reimbursement and other FAQs.