Rajesh Bhaskaran’s work seeks to promote the “democratization of simulation” through effective integration of simulation tools into engineering education. He directs the Swanson Lab and has helped introduce industry-standard simulation tools into Cornell courses covering fluid mechanics, heat transfer, solid mechanics, and numerical analysis. Dr. Bhaskaran has led the development of SimCafe.org as an online portal for learning and teaching finite-element and CFD simulations. SimCafe is used worldwide in courses as well as for self-paced learning by students and industry professionals. Dr. Bhaskaran has developed a unified methodology for using simulation in disparate lecture-based and lab courses. This methodology teaches students to approach simulations like an expert rather than just pushing buttons and accepting results at face value. Dr. Bhaskaran’s professional interests include engineering applications of simulation technology, reliable deployment of advanced simulation by generalist engineers, and conceptual change in learners using simulations. He has organized two international workshops on simulation in engineering curricula.
Ansys Mechanical Concepts and ImplementationCornell Course
Course Overview
Professor Bhaskaran's framework for solving finite element problems can be applied to an array of situations and contexts. Here, you will have the opportunity to practice applying this framework and begin creating simulations using Ansys. This course has been designed with a focus on problem-based learning: First, you will work on a "bar in extension" problem in Ansys, with Professor Bhaskaran's video demonstrations to help guide you. You will then practice solving a challenge problem on your own.
To get the most out of the experience, you should work through each phase of the problem and reach out to your peers or course facilitator when you are stuck. Once you have completed the “bar in extension” problem, you'll be ready to take on a new but similar challenge: bar under gravity force. This challenge problem will require you to apply the same concepts and techniques that you practiced in the example problem but without videos to guide you. You'll be required to answer graded questions at each stage of the process. Your final simulation will be a product of your own efforts and will give you the confidence to begin working on more complex problems in finite element analysis.
You are required to have completed the following course or have equivalent experience before taking this course:
- Conceptual Foundations of Finite Element Analysis
Key Course Takeaways
- Practice applying the conceptual foundations of FEA by solving a simple structural problem in Ansys Mechanical
- Solve an example problem in Ansys on a bar in extension
- Solve a challenge problem in Ansys on a bar under gravity force
- Compare Ansys and manual FE results to build confidence in your findings and solidify your understanding of the conceptual foundations
How It Works
Course Author
Who Should Enroll
- Mechanical engineers
- Simulation engineers
- Civil engineers
- Aerospace engineers
- Prospective engineers
- Biomedical engineers
- Design engineers
- Undergraduate and graduate students in engineering
100% Online
cornell's Top Minds
career