535.737.81 - Multiscale Modeling and Simulation of Mechanical Systems

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Multiscale Phenomena and Classes of Materials
• Quantum Mechanics and Density Functional Theory
• Interatomic Potentials, Force Fields, Molecular Dynamics with Classical/Newtonian Mechanics
• Coarse-Graining Techniques
• Phase Field Simulations and Microstructural Evaluation
• Continuum Mechanics and Finite Element Methods
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Machine Learning in Multiscale Modeling
• Deep Learning in Multiscale Modeling
• Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis

Course Goals

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of multiscale modeling and simulation.
2. Apply different multiscale modeling techniques to mechanical systems.
3. Develop and implement simulation models for various mechanical properties.
4. Analyze and interpret simulation results for engineering applications.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Discuss the practical and philosophical issues in multiscale modeling and simulation.
• Illustrate the fundamental concepts of multiscale modeling and simulation.
• Apply different multiscale modeling techniques to mechanical systems.
• Analyze and interpret simulation models for various mechanical properties.
• Evaluate computational approach and recommend modifications and improvements.
• Solve a complex problem using computational tools while constructing thorough and complete documentation.

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course.

Required Software

Technical skills may include:

• Using the learning management system
• Downloading and installing software
• Using presentation and graphics programs
• Using web conferencing tools and software

Digital information literacy skills may include:

• Using computer networks to locate and store files or data
• Analyzing digital information for credibility, currency, and bias (e.g., disinformation, misinformation)
• Properly citing information sources

Student Coursework Requirements

Discussions: Weekly discussion activities where you will be asked to participate in asynchronous discussions on topics related to the module learning objectives. (15% of your total grade)

Assignments: Each module will contain a graded assignment that you will complete individually. Weekly assignments will vary depending on module learning objectives. (30% of your total grade)

Midterm Exam: There will be two parts to the midterm exam. The first part will be a collection of multiple choice questions and the second part will require long answers and math. (20% of your total grade)

Mini Project: You will investigate a topic related to practical applications or day-to-day lives. The project should be analyzed using the tools and methods discussed in this course. The results of the investigation will be documented in a 5-10 minute presentation. (15% of your total grade)

Case Studies: You will prepare a PowerPoint (less than 20 slides) on a project topic and present a 5-10 minute presentation during office hours or submit your recording at least two days prior to office hours (if not attending office hours). (20% of your total grade)

Grading Policy

EP uses a +/- grading system (review “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students. This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. If disability accommodations are needed for this course, students should request accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS) as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.  For further information about this process, please refer to the SDS Website.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically.  For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity.    If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.