Theory of the Finite Element Method for Engineers

Catalog description

Mathematical and numerical underpinnings of the finite element method, including the formulation and programming of the method for linear problems. While simple, representative problems are solved using off-the-shelf software to connect the concepts to the practical application of the method, the emphasis is on the mathematical and numerical aspects of the method. A particular focus is the formulation of the variational form of an elliptic boundary value problem, and the subsequent derivation of the system of algebraic equations resulting from the finite element discretization of that variational form. Examples in structural, heat transfer and diffusion analysis are considered.