Course detail

Simulations in Mechanical Engineering

FSI-ZSKAcad. year: 2026/2027

Digital engineering in the field of design processes introduces new possibilities through the development of advanced methods for modeling and simulating mechanical systems, but also new challenges concerning the requirements placed on users of modern CAD/CAE and MBSE systems.

Within the course, students will acquire competencies for solving basic linear structural problems such as strength and thermal analysis of components, modal analysis, basic CFD analysis (fluid flow resistance), and shape optimization of components. Emphasis is placed on the distinction between analytical and numerical approaches, as well as on the interpretation, verification, and validation of the obtained results.

The course integrates knowledge gained from previous undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering and establishes a foundation for successfully completing simpler design projects and bachelor’s theses.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Pavel Maňas, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of mechanics (solids and fluids), strenght of materials, CAD modelling, machinery design and material science.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course credit is awarded on the following conditions:
- active taking part in the lectures (max. 10 points),
- solving of assigned tasks and presentation of results (max. 30 points),
- at least it is necessary to get 20 points.
Exam is awarded on the following conditions:
- practical part: methodically correct solution of assigned task (max. 40 points),
- oral exam (max. 20 points),
- together one can obtain up to 100 points, final grade is determined in accordance with ECTS grading scale.
Lectures: attendance is recommended.
Seminars: attendance is obligatory and checked by the lecturer. Two absences are allowed. In case of longer absence, compensation of missed lessons depends on the instructions of course supervisor.

Aims

Graduates will acquire fundamental competencies in preparing computational models from CAD models, in their proper use, and in evaluating the results obtained from simulations, including the verification and validation of these results. They will understand the significance of modeling and simulation in digital engineering as well as in technical practice.

Graduates will be capable of performing basic linear structural analyses focused on evaluating the stress state of a parts or a simple assembly, analyzing simple cases of fluid flow, and conducting basic analyses of heat transfer within a part or a simple assembly. They will be able to create an appropriate computational model of a real part or a simple assembly and apply relevant boundary conditions. They will be able of assessing simulation result trends across different design variants and making informed decisions regarding further development steps.

They will develop the skills and foundational habits necessary for working with modern CAE systems (such as ANSYS Discovery), either as standalone FEM software or as an integrated module within a CAD system.

Study aids

Ansys Innovation Courses. [online]. Https://courses.ansys.com

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Ansys Innovation Courses. [online]. https://innovationspace.ansys.com/ais-discovery (EN)
SHIGLEY, Joseph Edward, Charles R. MISCHKE, Richard G. (Richard Gordon) BUDYNAS, Martin HARTL a Miloš VLK. Konstruování strojních součástí. V Brně: VUTIUM, 2010, xxv, 1159 s. : il. ; 26 cm. ISBN 978-80-214-2629-0. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-KSI-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

16 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Maňas, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Simulation Methods in Mechanical Design
    (digital engineering, models and simulations in mechanics, tools for solving design-engineering tasks in the digital age)
  • Selection of Materials in Mechanical Design
  • Linear Structural Analyses of Parts and Assemblies
    basic types of mechanical problems in design engineering (strength, heat transfer, natural frequencies and mode shapes, shape optimization of components)
  • Reliability in Conceptual Design 
  • Basic Fluid Flow Analyses (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
  • Verification, Validation, and Interpretation of Simulation Results 

Computer-assisted exercise

36 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Maňas, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Numerical Simulations in Design Engineering – user environments of systems for stress analysis of machine components, working with a CAD model
  • Engineering Materials, Material Properties for Numerical Simulations – material import and geometry modification, mesh generation
  • Linear Structural Analyses – strength analysis, boundary conditions, evaluation of stresses and deformations, safety factor
  • Linear Structural Analyses – thermal analysis, conduction and convection, evaluation of temperature fields and heat flux
  • Linear Structural Analyses – modal analysis, evaluation of mode shapes and natural frequencies, response to random excitation
  • Linear Structural Analyses – parametrization, mesh optimization, reliability, verification and validation of results
  • Basic Fluid Flow Analyses – liquid flow through a closed profile, drag coefficient in external fluid flow around a body
  • Comprehensive Assembly Analysis – bolted joints, force transfer within the assembly
  • Basic Multiphysics Analyses – thermo-mechanical problem
  • Basic Multiphysics Analyses – heat transfer and convection in fluid flow
  • Optimization of Stiffness and Mass of Geometry – parametric and topological geometry modifications
  • Presentation of Individual Student Projects