Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D4: Construction Engineering, 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr I Brilakis, Prof CR Middleton and Prof G Viggiani
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites
3D1, 3D2 and 4D16 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand key issues in front-end planning and construction of major civil engineering infrastructure.
- understand the basics of construction site development, earth removing methods and earth excavation techniques.
- understand the basics for rock excavation and blasting.
- understand the practical considerations for loading and hauling operations including productivity estimation, fleet economics and equipment selection.
- understand the design, construction and operational aspects of compacting, finishing and paving operations for road infrastructure.
- address stability and deformation problems relating to different types of deep excavation construction (e.g. diaphragm walls, top-down construction, bottom-up construction) in different ground conditions.
- understand the principal design and construction problems associated with bored tunnel projects.
- estimate ground movements caused by deep excavations and tunnelling and assess their effects on buildings and services.
- select appropriate protective and ground improvement measures for different underground construction problems.
- understand the principal considerations associated with ground water control during construction.
- understand the conventional and advanced instrumentation techniques used for measuring ground movements and mechanical strain in practice including advantages and limitations.
Content
Coursework
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Coursework 1: Earthworks Construction earthwork and equipment: estimation of excavation soil volumes from drawings, earthwork production, blast design, logistics planning for transporting soils to/from project sites, paving and economics. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Tue 20 Feb [25/60] |
|
Coursework 2: Underground construction Underground construction (tunnelling), based on a real tunnelling project: tasks are to assess the risk of damage to a building of considerable historical interest and design outline protective measures for the building. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Tue 13 Mar [25/60] |
|
Coursework 3: Instrumentation Design of ground instrumentation and monitoring schemes for a deep shaft. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report
anonymously marked
|
Fri 20 Apr [10/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
Last modified: 08/09/2017 14:33
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D4: Construction Engineering, 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturer
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites
3D1, 3D2 and 4D16 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand key issues in front-end planning and construction of major civil engineering infrastructure.
- understand the basics of construction site development, earth removing methods and earth excavation techniques.
- understand the basics for rock excavation and blasting.
- understand the practical considerations for loading and hauling operations including productivity estimation, fleet economics and equipment selection.
- understand the design, construction and operational aspects of compacting, finishing and paving operations for road infrastructure.
- address stability and deformation problems relating to different types of deep excavation construction (e.g. diaphragm walls, top-down construction, bottom-up construction) in different ground conditions.
- understand the principal design and construction problems associated with bored tunnel projects.
- estimate ground movements caused by deep excavations and tunnelling and assess their effects on buildings and services.
- select appropriate protective and ground improvement measures for different underground construction problems.
- understand the principal considerations associated with ground water control during construction.
- understand the conventional and advanced instrumentation techniques used for measuring ground movements and mechanical strain in practice including advantages and limitations.
Content
Coursework
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Coursework 1: Underground construction Underground construction (tunnelling), based on a real tunnelling project: tasks are to assess the risk of damage to a building of considerable historical interest and design outline protective measures for the building. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Tue 22 Feb [30/60] |
|
Coursework 2: Earthworks Construction earthwork and equipment: estimation of excavation soil volumes from drawings, earthwork production, blast design, logistics planning for transporting soils to/from project sites, paving and economics. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
Tue 15 Mar [30/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
Last modified: 17/01/2019 20:37
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D4: Construction Engineering, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturer
Prof G Viggiani and Dr I Brilakis
Timing and Structure
Lent term - 14 lectures - Assessment: 100% coursework
Prerequisites
3D1, 3D2 and 4D16 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand key issues in front-end planning and construction of major civil engineering infrastructure.
- understand the basics of construction site development, earth removing methods and earth excavation techniques.
- understand the basics for rock excavation and blasting.
- understand the practical considerations for loading and hauling operations including productivity estimation, fleet economics and equipment selection.
- understand the design, construction and operational aspects of compacting, finishing and paving operations for road infrastructure.
- address stability and deformation problems relating to different types of deep excavation construction (e.g. diaphragm walls, top-down construction, bottom-up construction) in different ground conditions.
- understand the principal design and construction problems associated with bored tunnel projects.
- estimate ground movements caused by deep excavations and tunnelling and assess their effects on buildings and services.
- select appropriate protective and ground improvement measures for different underground construction problems.
- understand the principal considerations associated with ground water control during construction.
- understand the conventional and advanced instrumentation techniques used for measuring ground movements and mechanical strain in practice including advantages and limitations.
Content
Coursework
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Coursework 1: Underground construction Underground construction (tunnelling), based on a real tunnelling project: tasks are to establish tunnel stability duting construction, assess the risk of damage to a building of considerable historical interest and design outline protective measures for the building. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
[30/60] |
|
Coursework 2: Earthworks Construction earthwork and equipment: estimation of excavation soil volumes from drawings, earthwork production, blast design, logistics planning for transporting soils to/from project sites, paving and economics. Learning objective:
|
Individual Report anonymously marked |
[30/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
Last modified: 26/09/2019 17:23
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof GN Wells and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of continuum solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on the distinction between linearised (i.e. infinitesimal strain) and nonlinear continuum mechanics;
- understand appropriate solution methods for particular boundary value problems, with a focus on elastic and visco-elastic materials.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of tensor notation
- define deformation, stress and constitutive relationships, in both linear and nonlinear continuum mechanics
- use energy approaches to define constitutive relationships and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity
- solve linear viscoelastic problems for arbitrary loading time-histories
- understand numerical solution methods for nonlinear continuum mechanics problems.
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of the techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics, for both small and large deformations, with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and visco-elastic bodies.
Preliminaries (2L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation.
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation.
Linearised Continuum Mechanics (6L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Kinematics: infinitesimal strains, compatibility.
- Conservation laws; stress and equilibrium.
- Linear elasticity: method of stationary potential energy.
- Linear viscoelasticity: constitutive equations; solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories; viscoelastic analysis in 3D.
Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics (8L, Prof GN Wells)
- Nonlinear kinematics.
- Strain rates and stress measures.
- Nonlinear elasticity: stationary potential energy and hyper-elasticity.
- Numerical solution methods.
Examples papers
- Papers 1-2 - Preliminaries and linearised continuum mechanics.
- Papers 3-4 - Nonlinear continuum mechanics
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 11/09/2020 19:52
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2024-25
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof GN Wells and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of continuum solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on the distinction between linearised (i.e. infinitesimal strain) and nonlinear continuum mechanics;
- understand appropriate solution methods for particular boundary value problems, with a focus on elastic and visco-elastic materials.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of tensor notation
- define deformation, stress and constitutive relationships, in both linear and nonlinear continuum mechanics
- use energy approaches to define constitutive relationships and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity
- solve linear viscoelastic problems for arbitrary loading time-histories
- understand numerical solution methods for nonlinear continuum mechanics problems.
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of the techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics, for both small and large deformations, with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and visco-elastic bodies.
Preliminaries (2L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation.
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation.
Linearised Continuum Mechanics (6L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Kinematics: infinitesimal strains, compatibility.
- Conservation laws; stress and equilibrium.
- Linear elasticity: method of stationary potential energy.
- Linear viscoelasticity: constitutive equations; solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories; viscoelastic analysis in 3D.
Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics (8L, Prof GN Wells)
- Nonlinear kinematics.
- Strain rates and stress measures.
- Nonlinear elasticity: stationary potential energy and hyper-elasticity.
- Numerical solution methods.
Examples papers
- Papers 1-2 - Preliminaries and linearised continuum mechanics.
- Papers 3-4 - Nonlinear continuum mechanics
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 31/05/2024 10:02
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2023-24
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof GN Wells and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of continuum solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on the distinction between linearised (i.e. infinitesimal strain) and nonlinear continuum mechanics;
- understand appropriate solution methods for particular boundary value problems, with a focus on elastic and visco-elastic materials.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of tensor notation
- define deformation, stress and constitutive relationships, in both linear and nonlinear continuum mechanics
- use energy approaches to define constitutive relationships and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity
- solve linear viscoelastic problems for arbitrary loading time-histories
- understand numerical solution methods for nonlinear continuum mechanics problems.
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of the techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics, for both small and large deformations, with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and visco-elastic bodies.
Preliminaries (2L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation.
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation.
Linearised Continuum Mechanics (6L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Kinematics: infinitesimal strains, compatibility.
- Conservation laws; stress and equilibrium.
- Linear elasticity: method of stationary potential energy.
- Linear viscoelasticity: constitutive equations; solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories; viscoelastic analysis in 3D.
Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics (8L, Prof GN Wells)
- Nonlinear kinematics.
- Strain rates and stress measures.
- Nonlinear elasticity: stationary potential energy and hyper-elasticity.
- Numerical solution methods.
Examples papers
- Papers 1-2 - Preliminaries and linearised continuum mechanics.
- Papers 3-4 - Nonlinear continuum mechanics
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 30/05/2023 15:28
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2022-23
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof GN Wells and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of continuum solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on the distinction between linearised (i.e. infinitesimal strain) and nonlinear continuum mechanics;
- understand appropriate solution methods for particular boundary value problems, with a focus on elastic and visco-elastic materials.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of tensor notation
- define deformation, stress and constitutive relationships, in both linear and nonlinear continuum mechanics
- use energy approaches to define constitutive relationships and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity
- solve linear viscoelastic problems for arbitrary loading time-histories
- understand numerical solution methods for nonlinear continuum mechanics problems.
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of the techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics, for both small and large deformations, with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and visco-elastic bodies.
Preliminaries (2L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation.
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation.
Linearised Continuum Mechanics (6L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Kinematics: infinitesimal strains, compatibility.
- Conservation laws; stress and equilibrium.
- Linear elasticity: method of stationary potential energy.
- Linear viscoelasticity: constitutive equations; solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories; viscoelastic analysis in 3D.
Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics (8L, Prof GN Wells)
- Nonlinear kinematics.
- Strain rates and stress measures.
- Nonlinear elasticity: stationary potential energy and hyper-elasticity.
- Numerical solution methods.
Examples papers
- Papers 1-2 - Preliminaries and linearised continuum mechanics.
- Papers 3-4 - Nonlinear continuum mechanics
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 24/05/2022 13:10
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof GN Wells and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of continuum solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on the distinction between linearised (i.e. infinitesimal strain) and nonlinear continuum mechanics;
- understand appropriate solution methods for particular boundary value problems, with a focus on elastic and visco-elastic materials.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of tensor notation
- understand how to define deformation, stress and constitutive relationships, in both linear and nonlinear continuum mechanics
- use energy approaches to define constitutive relationships and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity
- solve linear viscoelastic problems for arbitrary loading time-histories
- understand numerical solution methods for nonlinear continuum mechanics problems.
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of the techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics, for both small and large deformations, with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and visco-elastic bodies.
Preliminaries (2L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation.
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation.
Linearised Continuum Mechanics (6L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Kinematics: infinitesimal strains, compatibility.
- Conservation laws; stress and equilibrium.
- Linear elasticity: method of stationary potential energy.
- Linear viscoelasticity: constitutive equations; solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories; viscoelastic analysis in 3D.
Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics (8L, Prof GN Wells)
- Nonlinear kinematics.
- Strain rates and stress measures.
- Nonlinear elasticity: stationary potential energy and hyper-elasticity.
- Numerical solution methods.
- Note that this part of the 4C9 course is new for 2018-19.
Examples papers
- Papers 1-2 - Preliminaries and linearised continuum mechanics.
- Papers 3-4 - Nonlinear continuum mechanics
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 03/08/2018 14:56
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof VS Deshpande and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of analytical techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics with particular emphasis on the response of elastic, visco-elastic and plastic bodies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of Cartesian tensor notation
- use the method of minimum potential energy to solve problems in linear elasticity
- understand how to solve viscoelastic problems in 1D and 3D for arbitrary loading time-histories
- know Drucker's stability postulate and understand the implications of convexity and normality
- understand the difference between deformation and flow theories of plasticity
- able to apply slip line field theory as well as upper and lower bound theorems for perfectly plastic solids
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of analytical techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and plastic bodies.
Preliminaries (3L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation
- Stress and equilibrium, strain and compatibility, constitutive relationships
Elasticity and Viscoelasticity (5L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Method of minimum potential energy
- Examples: application to elastic beams and plates in bending
- Deriving constitutive equations for linear viscoelasticity
- Solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories
- Viscoelastic analysis in 3D
Plasticity (8L, Prof VS Deshpande)
- Constitutive relationships - Drucker's stability postulate, normality and convexity conditions, yield criteria, flow rules, strain-hardening materials, flow and deformation theories of plasticity;
- Limit analysis theorems;
- Slip-line field theory; the solution of boundary value problems - metal forming, contact problems, cracked bodies.
Examples papers
- Paper 1 - Preliminaries
- Paper 2 - Elastic and viscoelastic analysis
- Paper 3 - Plasticity 1
- Paper 4 - Plasticity 2
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 31/05/2017 09:12
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C9: Continuum Mechanics, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof GN Wells and Dr GJ McShane
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Prerequisites
3C7 assumed; 3D7 useful
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- develop a more in-depth understanding of continuum solid mechanics, with particular emphasis on the distinction between linearised (i.e. infinitesimal strain) and nonlinear continuum mechanics;
- understand appropriate solution methods for particular boundary value problems, with a focus on elastic and visco-elastic materials.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- show a working knowledge of tensor notation
- understand how to define deformation, stress and constitutive relationships, in both linear and nonlinear continuum mechanics
- use energy approaches to define constitutive relationships and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity
- solve linear viscoelastic problems for arbitrary loading time-histories
- understand numerical solution methods for nonlinear continuum mechanics problems.
Content
This is an advanced course in continuum solid mechanics building on material covered in the Part IIA course 3C7. The aim of the course is to develop a more in-depth understanding of the techniques employed in continuum solid mechanics, for both small and large deformations, with particular emphasis on the response of elastic and visco-elastic bodies.
Preliminaries (2L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Introduction to indicial notation.
- Vectors, tensors and their manipulation.
Linearised Continuum Mechanics (6L, Dr GJ McShane)
- Kinematics: infinitesimal strains, compatibility.
- Conservation laws; stress and equilibrium.
- Linear elasticity: method of stationary potential energy.
- Linear viscoelasticity: constitutive equations; solving viscoelastic problems in 1D for arbitrary loading time-histories; viscoelastic analysis in 3D.
Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics (8L, Prof GN Wells)
- Nonlinear kinematics.
- Strain rates and stress measures.
- Nonlinear elasticity: stationary potential energy and hyper-elasticity.
- Numerical solution methods.
- Note that this part of the 4C9 course is new for 2018-19.
Examples papers
- Papers 1-2 - Preliminaries and linearised continuum mechanics.
- Papers 3-4 - Nonlinear continuum mechanics
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
Last modified: 24/05/2019 14:18

