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:

The goal of the course is to provide a clear introduction to numerical modelling as a cross-disciplinary scientific tool.

Teach students when and how numerical modelling can support scientific research

Demonstrate simple GUI-based modelling using Abaqus Learning Edition or similar platforms

Introduce fundamental FEM concepts through accessible MATLAB-based examples

Encourage critical thinking about modelling assumptions, parameters, and validation

Enable PhD students from different programs to confidently interpret numerical simulation results

Number of hours and planning: 20 hours total – 5 sessions × 4 hours
For the plan read the depliant

Period: 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27 May 2026, 9:00–13:00

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): 4

For any updates please consult Depliant