Finite element procedures are now an important and frequently indispensable part of engineering analysis and design. Finite element methods are used extensively in the study of solids and structures, as well as heat transport and fluids, and are valuable in practically every discipline of engineering analysis. With the introduction of the digital computer, the development of finite element methods for the solution of actual engineering issues began. That is, the essence of a finite element solution of an engineering problem is the establishment and solution of a set of governing algebraic equations, and this process could only be made practical and generalizable by the use of the digital computer. Because of these two properties—effectiveness and general applicability in engineering analysis—which are inherent in the theory utilized and have been improved to a great degree for actual computations, finite element methods have found widespread use in engineering practice. This book explores all the important aspects of finite element procedures in the present day scenario. It provides thorough insights into this field and explains in detail the uses and methods of the subject. It also deals with engineering analysis, linear analysis, structural mechanics, nonlinear analysis, incompressible fluid flows, static analysis and solution of eigenproblems. The book studies, analyses and uphold the pillars of this field and its utmost significance in modern times. It picks up individual branches and explains their need and contribution in the context of the growth of this subject and technology. For all those who are interested in finite element, this book can prove to be an essential guide.

Preface

1. An Introduction to the Use of Finite Element Procedures

2. Vectors, Matrices, and Tensors

3. Some Basic Concepts of Engineering Analysis

4. Formulation of the Finite Element Method

5. Formulation and Calculation of lsoparametric Finite Element Matrices

6. Finite Element Analysis of Heat Transfer, and Incompressible Fluid Flows

7. Solution of Equilibrium Equations in Dynamic Analysis

8. Solution of Equilibrium Equations in Static Analysis

9. Preliminaries to the Solution of Eigenproblems

10. Implementation of the Finite Element Method 

Index

Emmie Vandyke received her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Science Research University, Lucerne. She has served as a Guest Lecturer for various universities across Asia, Europe and America.  Her research interests focus on areas of smart materials and structures, vibration analysis of continuous systems, composite materials and structures, finite element analysis and fracture mechanics. Vandyke has authored and edited several texts, which include articles and book chapters in the field of mechanical systems and engineering technologies.