Professors involved: Dr. Biswabhanu Puhan – Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, UniPV Dr. Ludovico Manna – Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, UniPV

Course learning outcomes/abstract: This transversal course introduces PhD students from diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds to the fundamental concepts and practical use of numerical modeling. The course is designed as a bridge between scientific intuition and computational methods. Through simple visual demonstrations using Abaqus Learning Edition (or equivalent free GUI tools), students will learn how models are built, how boundary conditions and assumptions affect results, and how to interpret simulation outputs. In parallel, a second module provides an accessible introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM) using MATLAB, allowing students to understand what commercial solvers do “under the hood” through small, reproducible 2D exercises. No prior coding or modeling experience is required. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: – understand modelling workflows and basic discretization concepts, – run or interpret simple simulations in GUI environments, – implement elementary FEM procedures, – and critically evaluate modelling results in their own research fields.

Goals: provide a clear introduction to numerical modeling as a cross-disciplinary scientific tool.
• Teach students how to recognize when and how modelling supports scientific research
• Demonstrate simple GUI-based modelling using Abaqus Learning Edition or similar free FEM platforms
• Introduce fundamental FEM concepts through MATLAB examples
• Encourage critical thinking about modelling assumptions, parameters, and validation
• Enable students from multiple PhD programs to interpret numerical simulation results confidently

Number of hours and planning: 24 hours total – 6 sessions × 4 hours

Indicative plan:
1. Introduction to Modelling in Science (4 hours) Modelling workflow; physical meaning of equations; discretization concepts; boundary conditions; examples from Earth and physical sciences
2. GUI-Based Modelling (Abaqus Learning Edition) (4 hours) Simple 2D simulations (tension, heat conduction, deformation); mesh generation; element types; loads and boundary conditions; contour plots and scientific interpretation
3. Scientific Interpretation & Good Modelling Practices (4 hours) Mesh sensitivity; parameter dependence; model limitations; validation strategies; interpreting simulation results in research contexts
4. Foundations of FEM (Conceptual) (4 hours) Elements and shape functions (conceptual); weak form overview; assembling global stiffness systems; connection between theory and commercial solvers
5. MATLAB FEM Implementation (4 hours) Hands-on 2D example; mesh construction; element matrices; global assembly; applying boundary conditions; post-processing and visualization
6. Validation & Benchmarking (4 hours) Analytical–numerical comparisons (e.g., Griffith crack, plate-with-hole); reproducibility; convergence testing; discussion of best practices in scientific computing. (Note: high-level outline; detailed hour-by-hour plan will be developed closer to the teaching period.)

Period: April-May 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed after approval)

Registration: https://forms.gle/9WmQhqQNnesPMsiV6

Delivery mode and location:  in presence (Hybrid participation possible if necessary) — Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, UniPV

Language: English

Evaluation criterial: Attendance ≥ 80% Participation during hands-on sessions Short final exercise (e.g., comparing a simple analytical result with a numerical result)

Credits (CFU): 3

Depliant