Essentials Of The Finite Element Method

Fundamental coverage, analytic mathematics, and up-to-date software applications are hard to find in a single text on the finite element method (FEM). Dimitrios Pavlou’s Essentials of the Finite Element Method: For Structural and Mechanical Engineers makes the search easier by providing a comprehensive but concise text for those new to FEM, or just in need of a refresher on the essentials. Essentials of the Finite Element Method explains the basics of FEM, then relates these basics to a number of practical engineering applications. Specific topics covered include linear spring elements, bar elements, trusses, beams and frames, heat transfer, and structural dynamics. Throughout the text, readers are shown step-by-step detailed analyses for finite element equations development. The text also demonstrates how FEM is programmed, with examples in MATLAB, CALFEM, and ANSYS allowing readers to learn how to develop their own computer code. Suitable for everyone from first-time BSc/MSc students to practicing mechanical/structural engineers, Essentials of the Finite Element Method presents a complete reference text for the modern engineer. Provides complete and unified coverage of the fundamentals of finite element analysis Covers stiffness matrices for widely used elements in mechanical and civil engineering practice Offers detailed and integrated solutions of engineering examples and computer algorithms in ANSYS, CALFEM, and MATLAB

This new text, intended for the senior undergraduate finite element course in civil or mechanical engineering departments, gives students a solid basis in the mechanical principles of the finite element method and provides a theoretical foundation for applying available software analysis packages and evaluating the results obtained. Dr. Hutton discusses basic theory of the finite element method while avoiding variational calculus, instead focusing upon the engineering mechanics and mathematical background that may be expected of a senior undergraduate engineering student. The text relies upon basic equilibrium principles, introduction of the principle of minimum potential energy, and the Galerkin finite element method, which readily allows application of the FEM to nonstructural problems. The text is software-independent, making it flexible enough for use in a wide variety of programs, and offers a good selection of homework problems and examples.

An introductory textbook covering the fundamentals of linear finite element analysis (FEA) This book constitutes the first volume in a two-volume set that introduces readers to the theoretical foundations and the implementation of the finite element method (FEM). The first volume focuses on the use of the method for linear problems. A general procedure is presented for the finite element analysis (FEA) of a physical problem, where the goal is to specify the values of a field function. First, the strong form of the problem (governing differential equations and boundary conditions) is formulated. Subsequently, a weak form of the governing equations is established. Finally, a finite element approximation is introduced, transforming the weak form into a system of equations where the only unknowns are nodal values of the field function. The procedure is applied to one-dimensional elasticity and heat conduction, multi-dimensional steady-state scalar field problems (heat conduction, chemical diffusion, flow in porous media), multi-dimensional elasticity and structural mechanics (beams/shells), as well as time-dependent (dynamic) scalar field problems, elastodynamics and structural dynamics. Important concepts for finite element computations, such as isoparametric elements for multi-dimensional analysis and Gaussian quadrature for numerical evaluation of integrals, are presented and explained. Practical aspects of FEA and advanced topics, such as reduced integration procedures, mixed finite elements and verification and validation of the FEM are also discussed. Provides detailed derivations of finite element equations for a variety of problems. Incorporates quantitative examples on one-dimensional and multi-dimensional FEA. Provides an overview of multi-dimensional linear elasticity (definition of stress and strain tensors, coordinate transformation rules, stress-strain relation and material symmetry) before presenting the pertinent FEA procedures. Discusses practical and advanced aspects of FEA, such as treatment of constraints, locking, reduced integration, hourglass control, and multi-field (mixed) formulations. Includes chapters on transient (step-by-step) solution schemes for time-dependent scalar field problems and elastodynamics/structural dynamics. Contains a chapter dedicated to verification and validation for the FEM and another chapter dedicated to solution of linear systems of equations and to introductory notions of parallel computing. Includes appendices with a review of matrix algebra and overview of matrix analysis of discrete systems. Accompanied by a website hosting an open-source finite element program for linear elasticity and heat conduction, together with a user tutorial. Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis: Linear Finite Element Analysis is an ideal text for undergraduate and graduate students in civil, aerospace and mechanical engineering, finite element software vendors, as well as practicing engineers and anybody with an interest in linear finite element analysis.

In the past few decades, the Finite Element Method (FEM) has been developed into a key indispensable technology in the modeling and simulation of various engineering systems. The present book reports on the state of the art research and development findings on this very broad matter through original and innovative research studies exhibiting various investigation directions of FEM in electrical, civil, materials and biomedical engineering. This book is a result of contributions of experts from international scientific community working in different aspects of FEM. The text is addressed not only to researchers, but also to professional engineers, students and other experts in a variety of disciplines, both academic and industrial seeking to gain a better understanding of what has been done in the field recently, and what kind of open problems are in this area.

The purpose of this primer is to provide the basics of the Finite Element Method, primarily illustrated through a classical model problem, linearized elasticity. The topics covered are: (1) Weighted residual methods and Galerkin approximations, (2) A model problem for one-dimensional linear elastostatics, (3) Weak formulations in one dimension, (4) Minimum principles in one dimension, (5) Error estimation in one dimension, (5) Construction of Finite Element basis functions in one dimension, (6) Gaussian Quadrature, (7) Iterative solvers and element by element data structures, (8) A model problem for three-dimensional linear elastostatics, (9) Weak formulations in three dimensions, (10) Basic rules for element construction in three-dimensions, (11) Assembly of the system and solution schemes, (12) Assembly of the system and solution schemes, (13) An introduction to time-dependent problems and (14) A brief introduction to rapid computation based on domain decomposition and basic parallel processing.

Heat transfer is the area of engineering science which describes the energy transport between material bodies due to a difference in temperature. The three different modes of heat transport are conduction, convection and radiation. In most problems, these three modes exist simultaneously. However, the significance of these modes depends on the problems studied and often, insignificant modes are neglected. Very often books published on Computational Fluid Dynamics using the Finite Element Method give very little or no significance to thermal or heat transfer problems. From the research point of view, it is important to explain the handling of various types of heat transfer problems with different types of complex boundary conditions. Problems with slow fluid motion and heat transfer can be difficult problems to handle. Therefore, the complexity of combined fluid flow and heat transfer problems should not be underestimated and should be dealt with carefully. This book: Is ideal for teaching senior undergraduates the fundamentals of how to use the Finite Element Method to solve heat transfer and fluid dynamics problems Explains how to solve various heat transfer problems with different types of boundary conditions Uses recent computational methods and codes to handle complex fluid motion and heat transfer problems Includes a large number of examples and exercises on heat transfer problems In an era of parallel computing, computational efficiency and easy to handle codes play a major part. Bearing all these points in mind, the topics covered on combined flow and heat transfer in this book will be an asset for practising engineers and postgraduate students. Other topics of interest for the heat transfer community, such as heat exchangers and radiation heat transfer, are also included.

"Hutton discusses basic theory of the finite element method while avoiding variational calculus, instead focusing upon the engineering mechanics and mathematical background that may be expected of senior engineering students. The text relies upon basic equilibrium principles, introduction of the principle of minimum potential energy, and the Galerkin finite element method, which readily allows application of finite element analysis to nonstructural problems. The text is software-independent, making it flexible enough for use in a wide variety of programs, and offers a good selection of homework problems and examples. A Book Website is also included, with book illustrations for class presentation; complete problem solutions (password protected); the FEPC 2-D finite element program for student use; instructions on FEPC and its use with the text; and links to commercial FEA sites." -- Book jacket.

This text book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical, aeronautical, civil and chemical engineering as well as practicing engineers. Presentation is in an easy-to-understand style by using simple words and equations with a large number of figures. Materials are clear and well-organized in an easy-to-follow with logical progression through mathematics and the finite element method. Numerous examples with diverse applications to static and dynamic structures, linear and nonlinear heat transfer, and various classes of fluid flows. Lots of exercises to enhance understanding at the end of each chapter. List of three finite element computer programs and a color graphics program with detailed explanation to provide insight of the method.