Computational Science and Engineering Qualifying Examination

(Sample Exam)

Exam Content: (based on material covered in the following courses)

ME 471, Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
CS 450, Introduction to Numerical Analysis
TAM 470, Computational Mechanics

Exam Topics:
1. Basics of the finite element method, including discretisation of the partial-differential
equations and boundary conditions into element equations, global assembly of the
stiffness and force matrices, and code structuring issues.
2. Basics of finite-difference discretisation of first and second-order partial differential
equations, including the central differencing and ADI methods.
3. Characteristics of matrices (including null, identity, symmetric, singular, banded,
positive detinite) and operations (transpose, inverse, multiplication, and calculus).
4. Eigen values and eigen vectors of matrices.
5. Basic time stepping schemes (including explicit, implicit, and crank-Nicolson) and
their stability as applied to problems such as transient heat conduction.
6. Convergence, stability, and accuracy issues as applied to mesh refinement and choice
of discretization scheme I element type.
7. Isoparametric elements and numerical integration using Gaussian quadrature.
8. Direct and iterative methods for solving systems of linear equations, including
Jacobi, SOR, Gauss-Seidel, and Gaussian elimination.
9. Solution methods for non-linear equation systems, including successive substitution,
relaxed successive substitution, and Newton’s method.
10. Integration of the above to solve practical engineering problems in the fields of heat
transfer, solid mechanics, and fluid mechanics, including problem formulation and
evaluation of results.

Suggested Textbooks:
ME 471 (Introductin to Finite Element Analysis)
R.D. Cook, D.S. Malkus, & M.E. Plesha, “Concepts and Applications of Finite
Element Analysis”, 3rd Ed, Wiley and Sons, New York (1989).
D.L. Logan, “A First Course in the Finite Element Method,” PWS Engineering
Publishers, Boston, (1986).

CS 450 (Introduction to Numerical Analysis)

O. Axeisson, “Iterative Solution Methods”, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, UK, (1994).
M. Heath, “Scientific Computing: an Introductory Survey”, McGraw Hill, (1997).

TAM 470 (Computational Mechanics)

P. Moin, “Fundamentals of Engineering Numerical Analysis”, Cambridge

University Press, Cambridge UK
 QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
FOR
Computational Science and Engineering
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Wednesday, August __, ____

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

IMPORTANT EXAMINATION INFORMATION

1. Identify your examination and work with your University Identification Number
(UIN, I-Card number in blue beginning with 65) on each page. DO NOT ENTER
YOUR NAME ANYWHERE IN THE EXAMINATION.

2. Choose 3 out of the 4 problems.

3. Each problem counts 10 points.

4. Start each problem in a new examination booklet and write on only the right-hand
side (front side) of each sheet.

5. Hand in this problem package with your exam booklets.