UnitLevel 4Undergraduate

MMA4001 Finite element analysis

Faculty of Engineering

MMA4001 Finite element analysis is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs MMA2002 or MEC2403.

Credit points: 6
Offered in 2026: Semester 2; Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment: Exam 40%; and 1 other task
Workload: 144 hours; per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before MMA4001

Prerequisites

Pass these before you enrol.

One of

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

One of

After MMA4001

No unit lists MMA4001 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.

Overview

In this unit, you will be introduced to finite element analysis (FEA) in computer-aided design, including the formulation of finite elements. You will study first-order and second-order elements, the stiffness matrix, integration points, and stress recovery, as well as concepts of convergence and mesh refinement. You will then apply FEA techniques to plane stress and plane strain problems, axisymmetric problems, nonlinear materials, contact problems, large deformations, dynamic problems, and fracture mechanics.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching period	Campus	Mode
Second semester	Clayton	Flexible
Second semester	Malaysia	On campus

Assessment

AssignmentsWritten
60%
Final examExamination
40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1
Identify the basic theories, terminologies and concepts related to the application of the finite element method in computer-aided design of structures, including aircraft structures.
2
Select correct element types and designs proper mesh to obtain accurate results from a finite element analysis.
3
Generate finite element models for truss structures, plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetric and general 3D structural problems.
4
Apply a commonly-used commercial software to carry out finite element analyses on different structural problems.
5
Identify the basic theories and concepts of advanced solid mechanics, such as nonlinear materials, contact mechanics, finite deformation and fracture mechanics.

Workload and teaching

Workshops24 hours
Practical activities24 hours
Teaching approachActive learning
Teaching approachPeer assisted learning

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-5 hours of scheduled learning activities and 7-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

You will actively engage in applying your knowledge, skills, and attributes in interactive, collaborative, and reflective activities.

During group work, you will share ideas and solve problems with your peers.

Where it fits

MMA4001 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators: Dr Kek Boon Goh; Professor Wenyi Yan; Dr Dylan Agius
Chief Examiners: Professor Wenyi Yan

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MMA4001?

You need MMA2002 or MEC2403 before you enrol.

When is MMA4001 offered?

In 2026, MMA4001 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.

How much work is MMA4001?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MMA4001 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

Which majors and minors include MMA4001?

MMA4001 is part of Aerospace engineering and Mechanical engineering.

More details

Credit points: 6
Level: 4
Study level: Undergraduate
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Type: Coursework
EFTSL: 0.125
Student contribution: SCA Band 2
Study abroad: Available
Handbook years: 20262027