Advanced Problems of Structural Mechanics Project
pawbiels ver 07.10.2026
- Contact
- Schedule of the meetings
- Course design
- Evaluation
- Grading system
- Software downloads and links
Contact
Discord server is the preferred method of contact regarding the project
| Teacher | room | building | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paweł Bielski | pawbiels@pg.edu.pl | room 318 | Institute of Naval Architecture |
| Krzysztof Wołoszyk | krzwolos@pg.edu.pl | room 323 | Institute of Naval Architecture |
Schedule of the meetings
The project is conducted under the supervision of two teachers. The meetings are held either by Paweł Bielski (PB) or Krzysztof Wołoszyk (KW). Krzysztof Wołoszyk is the teacher responsible for the lectures and the subject as a whole.
| Week | Dates | Teacher | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5-9.10.2026 | PB | Proposal and formulation of individual project topics |
| 2 | 19-23.10.2026 | KW | Consultation and confirmation of individual project topics |
| 3 | 2-6.11.2026 | PB | Working on the projects |
| 4 | 16-20.11.2026 | PB | Working on the projects |
| 5 | 30.11-4.12.2026 | KW | Mid-semester evaluation of the projects |
| 6 | 14-18.12.2026 | PB | Working on the projects |
| 7 | 11-15.01.2027 | KW | Working on the projects |
| 8 | 18-22.01.2027 | PB+KW | Final evaluation and presentation of the projects |
Course design
The course is held in an open format. Each student is encouraged to propose an individual project topic. The project should involve either (1) solving an advanced structural mechanics problem, or (2) developing a custom computational tool. The topic is not limited to any specific software. The task may be addressed using an FEM program (e.g. Femap, ANSYS, Calculix with PrePoMax), a programming language (Python, MATLAB, Scilab), or any other appropriate tool.
During the first week, students are expected to present a project plan consisting of:
- a conceptual description of the problem,
- the chosen software tools,
- definition of the expected outcome.
The plan may be modified as the project develops.
Simple problems are solved either correctly or incorrectly. Advanced problems can be solved in different valid ways, and each yields slightly different results. Advanced problems inherently involve decision-making by the person conducting the study, which influences the outcome.
By advanced problems in structural mechanics, we mean problems involving one of the following:
- material non-linearity (plasticity, fracture),
- geometric non-linearity (large deformations),
- dynamic loading,
- thermal loading,
- contact,
- optimisation,
- reliability assessment,
- stochastic modelling,
- other advanced concepts.
Specific examples:
- non-linear buckling of a stiffened plate,
- strength optimisation of an existing part,
- modelling contact forces in a joint under tension,
- stochastic modelling of a structural member with uncertainties,
- ultimate load prediction involving plastic flow,
- thermal stresses in a welded casing,
- impact loading of a steel sheet,
- many, many more!
Evaluation
Mid-semester evaluation
For the mid-semester evaluation, an updated version of the plan should be presented and approved by the teacher. The mid-semester assessment is conducted as public presentations of progress and open discussions, lasting approximately 15 minutes per person.
Both the mid-semester and final presentations should include:
- an outline,
- slide numbering along with the total slide count on each slide,
- maximum of 2 figures per slide,
- minimum font size 18 for text body (also on figures/tables), 24 for titles.
Final evaluation
By the end of the semester, the concluding presentation should be prepared, along with a short report in the form of an extended conference abstract. The extended abstract should fit on two to four A4 pages, in 11-point font, approximately 500-1000 words plus several figures. The purpose of the abstract is to summarise the project briefly. An example of a conference abstract is available here.
The final presentation should consist of:
- a theoretical description of the problem,
- relevant drawings,
- description of the methods and/or functions,
- results and/or example computations,
- a discussion on the applicability of the results or tool.
The results will be publicly presented and discussed during the final meeting week. The maximum presentation time is 15 minutes per person. The final presentations will be held on January 19th (Tuesday), with January 22nd as a secondary term if needed.
Grading system
A maximum of 70 points can be obtained for the project part of the subject:
- 25 pts --- Mid-semester evaluation of the project progress,
- 20 pts --- Extended abstract summarising the project,
- 25 pts --- Final presentation of the project results.
Progress is evaluated in person during the scheduled classes. The awarded points reflect the student’s progress at the given date and are generally not subject to revision.
Software downloads and links
Commercial software provided by Gdańsk Tech
Open-source software