Advanced Finite Element Method In Structural Engineering

Advanced Finite Element Method in Structural Engineering systematically introduces the research work on the Finite Element Method (FEM), which was completed by Prof. Yu-qiu Long and his research group in the past 25 years. Seven original theoretical achievements - for instance, the Generalized Conforming Element method, to name one - and their applications in the fields of structural engineering and computational mechanics are discussed in detail. The book also shows the new strategies for avoiding five difficulties that exist in traditional FEM (shear-locking problem of thick plate elements; sensitivity problem to mesh distortion; non-convergence problem of non-conforming elements; accuracy loss problem of stress solutions by displacement-based elements; stress singular point problem) by utilizing foregoing achievements.

About the Book: The book presents the basic ideas of the finite element method so that it can be used as a textbook in the curriculum for undergraduate and graduate engineering courses. In the presentation of fundamentals and derivations care had been taken not to use an advanced mathematical approach, rather the use of matrix algebra and calculus is made. Further no effort is being made to include the intricacies of the computer programming aspect, rather the material is presented in a manner so that the readers can understand the basic principles using hand calculations. However, a list of computer codes is given. Several illustrative examples are presented in a detailed stepwise manner to explain the various steps in the application of the method. A fairly comprehensive references list at the end of each chapter is given for additional information and further study. About the Author: Wail N. Al-Rifaie is Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University College, Cardiff, U.K. in 1975. Dr. Wail established the Civil Engineering Department at the Engineering College in Baghdad and was the Head for nearly seven years. He received the Telford Premium Prize from the Institution of Civil Engineering (London) in 1976. His main areas of research are: Box girder bridge, folded plate structures, frames and shear walls including dynamic analysis. He is the author of three books on structural analysis in Arabic. Ashok K. Govil is Professor in the Department of Applied Mechanics, Motilal Nehru Regional Engineering College, Allahabad, India and was also Head of the same department for over five years. He obtained B.E. degree in Civil Engineering (1963) from BITS, Pilani, India, and M.S. (1969) and Ph.D., (1977) from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, U.S.A. Dr. Govil`s main areas of research are: Optimal design of structures, fail-safe design of structures, and finite element method. He has written several research papers and technical reports, and developed many computer programmes for optimal design of structures including dynamic analysis and vulnerability reduction.

THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD : Basic Concepts and ApplicationsDarrell Pepper, Advanced Projects Research, Inc. California, and Dr . JuanHeinrich, University of Arizona, TucsonTh i s introductory textbook is designed for use in undergraduate, graduate, andshort courses in structural engineering and courses devoted specifically to thefinite element method. This method is rapidly becoming the most widely usedstandard for numerical approximation for partial differential equations definingengineering and scientific problems.The authors present a simplified approach to introducing the method and a coherentand easily digestible explanation of detailed mathematical derivations andtheory Example problems are included and can be worked out manually Anaccompanying floppy disk compiling computer codes is included and required forsome of the multi-dimensional homework problems.

Highlights of the book: Discussion about all the fields of Computer Aided Engineering, Finite Element Analysis Sharing of worldwide experience by more than 10 working professionals Emphasis on Practical usuage and minimum mathematics Simple language, more than 1000 colour images International quality printing on specially imported paper Why this book has been written ... FEA is gaining popularity day by day & is a sought after dream career for mechanical engineers. Enthusiastic engineers and managers who want to refresh or update the knowledge on FEA are encountered with volume of published books. Often professionals realize that they are not in touch with theoretical concepts as being pre-requisite and find it too mathematical and Hi-Fi. Many a times these books just end up being decoration in their book shelves ... All the authors of this book are from IIT€™s & IISc and after joining the industry realized gap between university education and the practical FEA. Over the years they learned it via interaction with experts from international community, sharing experience with each other and hard route of trial & error method. The basic aim of this book is to share the knowledge & practices used in the industry with experienced and in particular beginners so as to reduce the learning curve & avoid reinvention of the cycle. Emphasis is on simple language, practical usage, minimum mathematics & no pre-requisites. All basic concepts of engineering are included as & where it is required. It is hoped that this book would be helpful to beginners, experienced users, managers, group leaders and as additional reading material for university courses.

This book is the consequence of research undertaken by the authors in the field of advanced problems of structural mechanics. Stability analysis of structures comes under this area because of the complex models and computational methods needed for analysis. In the mid seventies, a joint effort began between a group of researchers and teachers of the Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Center of the Cracow University of Technology. One of the important results of the collaboration has been this publication.

Existing structures represent a heterogeneous category in the global built environment as often characterized by the presence of archaic materials, damage and disconnections, uncommon construction techniques and subsequent interventions throughout the building history. In this scenario, the common linear elastic analysis approach adopted for new buildings is incapable of an accurate estimation of structural capacity, leading to overconservative results, invasive structural strengthening, added intervention costs, excessive interference to building users and possible losses in terms of aesthetics or heritage values. For a rational and sustainable use of the resources, this book deals with advanced numerical simulations, adopting a practical approach to introduce the fundamentals of Finite Element Method, nonlinear solution procedures and constitutive material models. Recommended material properties for masonry, timber, reinforced concrete, iron and steel are discussed according to experimental evidence, building standards and codes of practice. The examples examined throughout the book and in the conclusive chapter support the analyst’s decision-making process toward a safe and efficient use of finite element analysis. Written primarily for practicing engineers, the book is of value to students in engineering and technical architecture with solid knowledge in the field of continuum mechanics and structural design.

This textbook offers theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method. The book equips readers with the skills required to analyze engineering problems using ANSYS®, a commercially available FEA program. Revised and updated, this new edition presents the most current ANSYS® commands and ANSYS® screen shots, as well as modeling steps for each example problem. This self-contained, introductory text minimizes the need for additional reference material by covering both the fundamental topics in finite element methods and advanced topics concerning modeling and analysis. It focuses on the use of ANSYS® through both the Graphics User Interface (GUI) and the ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL). Extensive examples from a range of engineering disciplines are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step fashion. Key topics include: • An introduction to FEM • Fundamentals and analysis capabilities of ANSYS® • Fundamentals of discretization and approximation functions • Modeling techniques and mesh generation in ANSYS® • Weighted residuals and minimum potential energy • Development of macro files • Linear structural analysis • Heat transfer and moisture diffusion • Nonlinear structural problems • Advanced subjects such as submodeling, substructuring, interaction with external files, and modification of ANSYS®-GUI Electronic supplementary material for using ANSYS® can be found at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4899-7550-8. This convenient online feature, which includes color figures, screen shots and input files for sample problems, allows for regeneration on the reader’s own computer. Students, researchers, and practitioners alike will find this an essential guide to predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems."

Starting from governing differential equations, a unique and consistently weighted residual approach is used to present advanced topics in finite element analysis of structures, such as mixed and hybrid formulations, material and geometric nonlinearities, and contact problems. This book features a hands-on approach to understanding advanced concepts of the finite element method (FEM) through integrated Mathematica and MATLAB® exercises.