Objectives

The main objective of the Unit is the development of numerical methods applied to simulation and optimization of systems on Mechanical and Structural Engineering.

The research activity and scientific objectives of the Unit for Numerical Methods in Mechanics and Structural Engineering are divided on three research fields:

1. Analysis, Reliability and Optimal Design of Structures in Mechanical Engineering

1. Finite element methods for structural analysis with static and dynamic loading conditions, considering geometric and material non linear behavior.

1.2 Models for the analysis of the integrity and reliability of structures. Development of a formulation based on the stochastic finite element method. Damage models for structural systems.

1.3 Development of algorithms and methods for structural optimization, including sizing, shape and topology, based on deterministic or probabilistic concepts.

1.4 Methods for sensitivity analysis namely for non-linear geometric and material behaviors and dynamic response.

1.5 Development of models for steel structures behavior under fire conditions.

1.6 Analysis of non linear geometric and material behavior under thermal conditions.

2. Numerical Simulation and Optimization of Industrial Forming and Machining Processes

2.1 Development of mathematical models for the analysis of industrial processes in which the thermal and/or mechanical part of the phenomenon is relevant (forming, casting, forging and machining).

2.2 Algorithms for optimization of process parameters based on direct and inverse techniques.

2.3 Development of sensitivity analysis for forming processes.

2.4 Algorithms for data transfer and pre and post processing.

2.5 Development of mixed numerical and experimental models for optimization of machining parameters.

3. Development of other Numerical Methods

3.1 Parallelization of algorithms.

3.2 Models for stochastic analysis.

3.3 Evolutionary search algorithms and hybridization of optimization techniques.

The developed numerical models and techniques have the following objectives:

- To contribute for the technical and scientific development;

- To obtain improvements on structural design and on manufacturing processes in Mechanical Engineering.

For further information contact:
10 / 225 (FCT)- Unit for Numerical Methods in Mechanics and Structural Engineering

IDMEC - PÓLO FEUP - Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n * 4200-465 Porto - PORTUGAL
Phone + 351-225081766     Fax + 351-225081445
Scientific Leader - [email protected] ; webmaster - [email protected]t

last updated on  segunda-feira Agosto 13, 2007