Coursework for Structural Dynamics
(AEM401 and MEM404)
Dr. Sathiskumar Anusuya Ponnusami
([email protected]) Office: CG29
Page limit: 10 pages maximum (excluding Appendices)
Format: A4, 25mm margins on all sides, Font Arial and minimum size of 11pt
Deadline for submission: 22 – December – 2023
Drop-in session for Q&As online on 13 – December – 2023 (2:30pm to 3:30pm)
Coursework Description
You are required to carry out a FREE vibrational analysis of an idealised rotor blade using
commercial finite element software tools (Abaqus or Ansys or any FEA tool). If needed, you
can use CAD tools for geometry design. To do so:
1- Select a realistic rotor blade (wind turbine or helicopter or even an airplane wing).
Idealise it into a structure that simplifies your analysis but captures the essential
features of the structure in terms of materials, geometry and boundary conditions. All
assumptions allowed and required for simplifying your problem must be listed (such as
cross-sectional area across the length of a beam, symmetric geometries, material
distribution etc.). [30 marks]
2- Conduct the free vibrational analysis under two or more (combined) specific state
conditions (bending, torsion, axial). Identify the natural frequencies and mode shapes.
[35 marks]
3- Suggest two design modifications with analysis to improve the dynamic charac
teristics
[35 marks]
Create your assignment according to the following structure:
Description of selected structural scenario – 1 page
Aim and objectives – 0.5 page
Model description and supporting information (properties, dimensions and
vibrational mode) – 2 page
Discussion comparison with theoretical calculations where you elaborate
comparisons – 2.5 page
Design modification of selected structure using FEA analysis, in order
to increase natural frequencies – 2.5 pages
Concluding remarks (summary) – 1 page
References – 0.5 page
Appendices (if any) but do not count directly towards the marks
Notes:
It is recommended that as for the account of hand calculations, one should choose a
boundary conditions with existing (or possible derivation of) theoretical formulation.
Use PAST TENSE throughout – you’re reporting what you’ve already done.
Do NOT place Figures in the Appendix; include them in the relevant section.
You MUST reference any figures or theory you take from books or articles.
Length of Report (excluding any Appendices) must NOT exceed 10 pages.
Assignments must be TYPED (no hand-writing) and images and graphs must be
readable.
PROOF READ the Report before handing in.
You must elaborate on selection of geometry, boundary conditions, model
formulation and the associated simplifying assumptions.