After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

 Design Project Lightweight Structures:

• apply the acquired knowledge of Leichtbau VU in depth to a concrete project
• justify the choice of materials
• apply the method of finite elements for designing constructions
• conduct a rough pre-design phase and a subsequent detailed design phase
• dimension components according to defined load cases
• deal with and apply standards and technical regulations
• summarize the results in a calculation report
• carry out engineering drawings (assembly drawing, workshop drawings and parts list)

 Project Finite Elements:

•  solve problems in the field of Solid Mechanics, applying the Finite Element Method
• apply knowledge form the course „317.016 VO Einführung in die Finite Elemente Methoden“ (or equivalent)
• develop a model (abstraction of the problem)
• create an FEM model (pre-processing)
• use an FEM solver (solution)
• evaluate and interpret the results (post-processing)
• if applicable, write programs and scripts for automatization
• write a protocol according the standards of the field

Design Project Lightweight Structures:

design, calculation and construction (possibly optimization) of defined lightweight structures on the basis of given load cases. Construction exercise (in the course of the advanced training) for the application of the knowhow gained in the basic lecture and the seminar.

Project Finite Elements:

Each participant is assigned a clearly defined problem which has to be solved with the Finite Element Method. The problems are selected to meet usual industrial questions. The project steps modeling, data preparation, carrying out the analyses (with existing FEM software), post-processing, and documentation are to be worked on by the students mostly ‘self defined’, but they can get support by the course teacher. In special cases development and implementation of FEM algorithms is possible.

Design Project Lightweight Structures:

Introductory course to present the problem and explain the load cases. Individual support by appointment in case of questions.

Project Finite Elements:

The individual problems and project goals are introduced by the teachers; FEM software is available. The students work mostly ‘self defined’, in case of questions teachers can be consulted upon scheduling an meeting.

At the beginning of the term students have to choose whether they want to conduct the project work in the field of "Lightweight Structures" or "Finite Element Methods". There is also the option to conduct the project work as a combination of both fields. This requires previous knowledge in both fields.

Design Project Lightweight Structures:

Report and design drawings

Project Finite Elements:

Project report

PW-Lightweight Structures: Knowledge in light weight structures, Composites (optional) and linear Finite Element Methods

PW-Finite Element Methods: Knowledge in linear FEM required, knowledge in nonlinear FEM and Modeling Strategies with Finite Elements are recommended.