INSTRUCTOR:     Dr. David Hall            PHONE:      (318) 257-4127
OFFICE:         BH 255                    e-mail:     dehall@engr.latech.edu
OFFICE HOURS:   see my home page

FINITE ELEMENT CODE:  The FRANC2D/L finite element code will be used extensively in this course. This program can be downloaded free of charge by clicking HERE!

GRADING:

        Homework                                15%
        Computer Project                        15%
        Strain Gage Project and Presentation    20%
        Exam 1                                  20%
        Exam 2 (Comprehensive)                  30%

GRADING SCALE:

        A       90 - 100%       (highest degree of excellence)
        B       80 - 89%        (superior)
        C       70 - 79%        (average)
        D       60 - 69%        (minimum quality of work to receive course credit)
        F       < 60%           (failure)

HOMEWORK:

• At least one homework assignment will be given per week.
• Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class period after which they are assigned (unless otherwise noted). Since homework solutions are given, late homework WILL NOT be accepted.
• Discussion of homework problems among students is encouraged. However, any exchange of written information regarding the homework problems is considered cheating. Copying homework solutions from solution manuals or from previous quarters is also considered cheating.  In accordance with Louisiana Tech University policy, this may include expulsion from the course with a grade of "F".
• Homework must be neat and legible. For each problem, provide pertinent information to define the problem, list quantities to be found, and provide a solution that is easy to follow. All intermediate steps must be clearly shown; answers should be clearly marked and must include appropriate units. Look HERE for what the grader is looking for.
• Complete homework using engineering paper or white printer paper. The use of Mathcad and TKSolver is strongly encouraged. However, make sure that you annotate your computer output so that it conforms to the homework structure given above.
• At least two problems of each homework assignment will be graded (at least 18 homework problems will be graded this quarter).

COMPUTER PROJECT:

• One computer project will be assigned .
• The project must be submitted as a report. Check HERE for the required report format.
• All work on the projects MUST be completed individually (no sharing of information, either verbal or written, is allowed).  In accordance with Louisiana Tech University policy, this may include expulsion from the course with a grade of "F".
• Late projects will be penalized ten percent per day, excluding Saturday and Sunday (4 days late means that the maximum possible score is 60%).   Projects turned in on the due date AFTER the beginning of class will be considered one day late.

STRAIN GAGE PROJECT:

• One laboratory type project will be assigned which requires that strain gages be applied by the student.  Strain gage readings will be taken during one or more loading cycles and recorded using a data acquisition system.
• The project must be submitted as a report. Check HERE for the required report format.
• This will be a group project (2 people in each group).
• The project must also be submitted as an oral report.

EXAMS and POP QUIZZES:

• One side of a 8 1/2 x 11 inch formula sheet may be used during exams. Only formulas and constants are allowed on this sheet. Absolutely no text is allowed on the formula sheet (i.e., you can't even define the variables to the formulas). Example problems may NOT be worked out on the formula sheet. Your formula sheet is to be turned in with your exam.
• Pop quizzes will be given at various times throughout the quarter. Pop quizzes usually cover something that was discussed in the previous lecture. The purpose of these unannounced pop quizzes is to encourage attendance.

ATTENDANCE:

• Regular and punctual class attendance is expected (refer to page 24 of the 1997-1998 bulletin regarding attendance).
• An unexcused absence for a pop quiz or examination will result in a zero grade for that test.