Finite Element Systems

The treatment of uncertainties in the analysis of engineering structures remains one of the premium challenges in modern structural mechanics. It is only in recent years that the developments in stochastic and deterministic computational mechanics began to be synchronized. To foster these developments, novel computational procedures for the uncertainty assessment of large finite element systems are presented in this monograph. The stochastic input is modeled by the so-called Karhunen-Loève expansion, which is formulated in this context both for scalar and vector stochastic processes as well as for random fields. Particularly for strongly non-linear structures and systems the direct Monte Carlo simulation technique has proven to be most advantageous as method of solution. The capabilities of the developed procedures are demonstrated by showing some practical applications.

Finite Element Method: Physics and Solution Methods aims to provide the reader a sound understanding of the physical systems and solution methods to enable effective use of the finite element method. This book focuses on one- and two-dimensional elasticity and heat transfer problems with detailed derivations of the governing equations. The connections between the classical variational techniques and the finite element method are carefully explained. Following the chapter addressing the classical variational methods, the finite element method is developed as a natural outcome of these methods where the governing partial differential equation is defined over a subsegment (element) of the solution domain. As well as being a guide to thorough and effective use of the finite element method, this book also functions as a reference on theory of elasticity, heat transfer, and mechanics of beams. Covers the detailed physics governing the physical systems and the computational methods that provide engineering solutions in one place, encouraging the reader to conduct fully informed finite element analysis Addresses the methodology for modeling heat transfer, elasticity, and structural mechanics problems Extensive worked examples are provided to help the reader to understand how to apply these methods in practice

This textbook has emerged from three decades of experience gained by the author in education, research and practice. The basic concepts, mathematical models and computational algorithms supporting the Finite Element Method (FEM) are clearly and concisely developed.