Course content

Stresses and strains. Elasticity and thermoelasticity. Anisotropy and symmetry planes. Linear viscoelasticity. Plasticity and viscoplasticity (yield criteria, flow law, hardening, effects of strain rate and temperature). Practical use of the finite element method for nonlinear materials.

Learning outcome

Materials mechanics is an advanced course in solid mechanics for students who have chosen a major in structural engineering or industrial mechanics at MTBYGG, MTING and MTPROD. The course covers theories of elastic, viscoelastic, elasto-plastic, elasto-viscoplastic materials and provides a practical introduction to non-linear finite element methods.

Materials mechanics has the following learning objectives:

Knowledge: The candidate should have knowledge of:

- Continuum mechanics for small deformations

- Linear elasticity theory for isotropic and anisotropic materials

- Linear viscoelasticity

- Plasticity (yield criteria, flow laws and hardening rules)

- Viscoplasticity

- Practical use of non-linear finite element methods for small deformations

Skills: The candidate knows how to:

- Select the mathematical model to describe the behaviour of a material

- Determine the parameters of mathematical models for materials from laboratory experiments

- Perform element analysis of components and structures with non-linear material behaviour

General competence: The candidate knows:

- Mathematical modelling of materials

- Parameter identification from laboratory experiments

- Non-linear finite element methods for small deformations.

Digital competence: Students will acquire practical competence in finite element modelling using Abaqus/Standard, in particular modelling metal plasticity for engineering applications. Additionally, students are asked to write and run simple Python scripts in some of the homework assignments and in the project, essentially curve fitting, plotting, definition of simple functions, and loops.

Sustainability competence: The course serves to give students appropriate skills to choose the right material for the right application, and to optimize material resources.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. 50 % of the homework exercises must be approved to get access to the exam. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only, but they can be answered in Norwegian. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge corresponding to the courses TKT4134 Mechanics 4 and TKT4142 Finite Element Methods in Structural Engineering.

Course materials

Lecture notes. Additional literature: Niels Saabye Ottosen and Matti Ristinmaa, "The Mechanics of Constitutive Modeling": https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780080446066/the-mechanics-of-constitutive-modeling

Credit reductions