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3 milestones
Define the Structural Problem and Load Case
1–2 weeks (2–3 hrs/week)
Select a mechanical structural analysis problem: a beam under transverse load, a pressure vessel, a welded joint, a column under axial and bending load, or a machine component under cyclic loading. Define the geometry (dimensions, cross-section, material), support conditions (fixed, pinned, roller), and load case (point load, distributed load, pressure, combined loading). Identify the failure modes to check: yielding, buckling, fatigue, fracture. State the design standard to be used (Eurocode 3 for steel structures, EN 13445 for pressure vessels, ASME BPVC, BS 7608 for welded joints, or equivalent). A structural analysis without a defined failure mode is incomplete — knowing the load is not enough; the question is what the structure will fail by.
Proof required
Submit your problem definition document (≥500 words): structural description with geometry and material, support conditions and load case with all values in engineering units, the design standard cited, and ≥2 failure modes to be checked.
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Perform Structural Analysis and Stress Calculation
3–4 weeks (4–5 hrs/week)
Calculate internal forces and stresses for the structure defined in M1. For a beam: compute bending moment and shear force diagrams, then calculate bending stress and shear stress at the critical section. For a pressure vessel: apply thin-wall or thick-wall theory to find hoop and axial stress. For a column: check Euler buckling load and compare with applied load. For a welded joint: calculate weld throat stress and compare with fatigue or static strength limit per the design standard. Use hand calculation as the primary method; if FEA is used, it must be supplemented with a hand calculation to verify the order of magnitude.
Proof required
Submit your analysis calculations: bending moment/shear force diagram (or equivalent), stress calculation at the critical section with equation, all parameter values in engineering units, and the utilisation ratio (calculated stress / allowable stress) against the design standard limit.
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Write the Structural Analysis Report and Present Results
2–3 weeks (2–3 hrs/week)
Write a complete structural analysis report (1,500–2,500 words plus calculations appendix) covering: structure description and load case, failure modes checked, analysis method and calculations summary, utilisation ratios against code limits for each failure mode, and recommendations (adequate as designed, redesign needed, or margin for additional load). If any failure mode is not satisfied, propose a specific design modification. Have the report reviewed by a mechanical or structural engineer and respond to Q&A on the analysis assumptions and recommendations.
Proof required
Submit your structural analysis report (1,500–2,500 words plus calculations appendix) and review record: reviewer name, role, ≥3 challenge questions about the analysis assumptions or recommendations, and your responses.
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A 1,500–2,500 word structural analysis report and a technical review record.
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Template
Word count (1,500–2,500): Assumptions: Reviewer: Role: Date: | Challenge | My answer | Change made | |-----------|-----------|-------------|
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