Introduction To The Finite Element Method Theory Programming And Applications

This text presents an introduction to the finite element method including theory, coding, and applications. The theory is presented without recourse to any specific discipline, and the applications span a broad range of engineering problems. The codes are written in MATLAB script in such a way that they are easily translated to other computer languages such as FORTRAN. All codes given in the text are available for downloading from the text's Web page, along with data files for running the test problems shown in the text. All codes can be run on the student version of MATLAB (not included).

This text presents an introduction to the finite element method including theory, coding, and applications. The theory is presented without recourse to any specific discipline, and the applications span a broad range of engineering problems. The codes are written in MATLAB script in such a way that they are easily translated to other computer languages such as FORTRAN. All codes given in the text are available for downloading from the text′s Web page, along with data files for running the test problems shown in the text. All codes can be run on the student version of MATLAB (not included).

An Introduction to the Finite Element Method is organized and written in such a way that students should not find it difficult to understand the concepts and applications discussed in the book. Rigorous mathematical treatments and derivations are kept to a minimum. A consistent approach of finite element formulation and solution is used for every domain analysis described in the book. Plenty of simple examples are given to show students how to solve related problems. The exercises at the end of some chapters are within students' capability and can be done without using a computer. Although this book is intended primarily for undergraduate students, it is also suitable for the early part of finite element courses in postgraduate programme. The basic and conceptual approaches which are used also make this book appropriate for practising engineers who want to know and learn the finite element method.

This book gives an introduction to the finite element method as a general computational method for solving partial differential equations approximately. Our approach is mathematical in nature with a strong focus on the underlying mathematical principles, such as approximation properties of piecewise polynomial spaces, and variational formulations of partial differential equations, but with a minimum level of advanced mathematical machinery from functional analysis and partial differential equations. In principle, the material should be accessible to students with only knowledge of calculus of several variables, basic partial differential equations, and linear algebra, as the necessary concepts from more advanced analysis are introduced when needed. Throughout the text we emphasize implementation of the involved algorithms, and have therefore mixed mathematical theory with concrete computer code using the numerical software MATLAB is and its PDE-Toolbox. We have also had the ambition to cover some of the most important applications of finite elements and the basic finite element methods developed for those applications, including diffusion and transport phenomena, solid and fluid mechanics, and also electromagnetics.​

Modern finite element analysis has grown into a basic mathematical tool for almost every field of engineering and the applied sciences. This introductory textbook fills a gap in the literature, offering a concise, integrated presentation of methods, applications, software tools, and hands-on projects. Included are numerous exercises, problems, and Mathematica/Matlab-based programming projects. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary applications to serve a broad audience of advanced undergraduate/graduate students with different backgrounds in applied mathematics, engineering, physics/geophysics. The work may also serve as a self-study reference for researchers and practitioners seeking a quick introduction to the subject for their research.

This title demonstrates how to develop computer programmes which solve specific engineering problems using the finite element method. It enables students, scientists and engineers to assemble their own computer programmes to produce numerical results to solve these problems. The first three editions of Programming the Finite Element Method established themselves as an authority in this area. This fully revised 4th edition includes completely rewritten programmes with a unique description and list of parallel versions of programmes in Fortran 90. The Fortran programmes and subroutines described in the text will be made available on the Internet via anonymous ftp, further adding to the value of this title.