Concise Overview Of The Finite Element Method [Paperback]

Solutions to complex engineering problems in mechanics are almost always based upon approximations. But approximations can lead to widely erroneous solutions if not guided by proper assumptions and modeling methods. The primary objective of this book is to provide a compact, intuitive and theoretically solid presentation of a procedure for producing approximate solutions with a predefined level of accuracy. The book focuses on the finite element method and is particularly aimed at readers new to the method. At the same time, the book will also provide new research opportunities for both new and experienced practitioners by showing that a change in notation currently used to form the finite element stiffness matrices can be replaced with coefficients that are expressed in terms of strain quantities. As a consequence, the resulting equations are directly related to the theory of solid mechanics.