Course detail

Simulation in Automotive Industry

FSI-QPA Acad. year: 2027/2028 Winter semester

The course focuses on physical principles, computational models and engineering workflows used in the development of vehicles and powertrains. The finite element method (FEM) is applied to deformation and stress analysis, strength and fatigue assessment, contact, nonlinear behaviour, heat conduction and rapid dynamic events. Emphasis is placed on problem formulation, selecting an appropriate model, practical use of commercial CAE tools, analytical estimation and critical evaluation of the reliability of simulation results. The opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence tools in engineering simulation may be introduced during computer-based classes.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

6

Supervisor

prof. Ing. Pavel Novotný, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Automotive Engineering

Entry knowledge

Bachelor-level mathematics (linear algebra, differential and integral calculus, fundamentals of differential equations), mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, elasticity and strength of materials; basic familiarity with heat conduction and numerical engineering methods is advantageous.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The course is completed by a course-unit credit and an examination. Credit requires attendance at compulsory computer-based classes and completion of assigned practical tasks; missed classes are made up by arrangement with the teacher. Assessment comprises continuous tests linked to lectures, an individual CAE task (analytical estimate, numerical solution and critical comparison), a written theoretical test, written calculation problems and an oral part assessing the ability to apply knowledge in broader contexts. Participation in individual points-bearing components is voluntary; non-participation results in no points for that component. Admission to the oral part requires a specified minimum result in the preceding components; students may also finalise their assessment without the oral part. Successful completion requires award of the course-unit credit and achievement of the overall passing standard. The detailed point allocation, grading thresholds and organisational arrangements are specified and communicated before teaching starts in accordance with the binding course documentation. Continuous tests and all examination components are completed independently, without artificial intelligence tools. AI may be used exclusively during computer-based classes where explicitly authorised by the teacher for the given task; students must be able to explain and verify their results independently.

Aims

The course aims to develop students’ ability to independently solve selected problems in structural mechanics and heat conduction using analytical methods and FEM. Students acquire essential physical and numerical principles, develop appropriate computational models in commercial software, assess their assumptions and limitations, and evaluate the correctness and engineering relevance of results. The course links theory with practical applications and may introduce responsible use of AI tools during computer-based classes.

Study aids

  • PAVLOU, D. G. Essentials of the Finite Element Method. 2nd ed. Elsevier, 2026. ISBN 9780443247408.
  • BATHE, K.-J. Finite Element Procedures. 2nd ed. Watertown: Klaus-Jürgen Bathe, 2014. ISBN 9780979004957.
  • KIM, N.-H. Introduction to Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis. 2nd ed. Cham: Springer, 2026. ISBN 9783032097071.
  • WELTY, J. R., WICKS, C. E., WILSON, R. E. and G. L. RORRER. Fundamentals of momentum, heat, and mass transfer. New York: Wiley, 5th ed., 2008.
  • ANSYS, Inc. Ansys Mechanical APDL Theory Reference. Release 2026 R1. Canonsburg, PA: Ansys, Inc., 2026.

The study programmes with the given course

Programme N-ADI-P: Automotive and Material Handling Engineering, Master's, compulsory-optional

Programme N-AAE-P: Advanced Automotive Engineering, Master's, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Syllabus


  1. Computational Modelling in the Automotive Industry

  2. Finite Element Method in Linear Continuum Mechanics

  3. Basic Element Types in Structural Finite Element Analysis

  4. FEM Applications in Commercial Software

  5. Surface and Volume Mesh Generation Methods for FEM

  6. Strength Assessment of Automotive Components

  7. Fatigue Damage Assessment of Automotive Components Using FEM

  8. FEM Analysis of Heat Transfer and Thermal Stresses

  9. Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis and Large Deformations

  10. Contact Modelling Using FEM

  11. Modelling of Material Nonlinearities Using FEM

  12. Finite Element Analysis of High-Speed Dynamic Events

  13. Practical Applications of Computational Simulations in the Automotive Industry

Computer-assisted exercise

39 hours, compulsory

Syllabus


  1. Preparation of geometric models of components I

  2. Preparation of geometric models of components II

  3. Beam elements in FEM

  4. Shell elements in FEM

  5. Discretization of volume models of components I

  6. Discretization of volume models of components II

  7. Directional stiffness of powertrain components

  8. High-cycle fatigue assessment in FEM

  9. Low-cycle fatigue assessment in FEM

  10. Contact of powertrain components

  11. Thermal FEM analysis

  12. Transient FEM analysis

  13. Application of FEM for the analysis of structural mechanics tasks in the automotive industry