A First Course in the Finite Element Method

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES AND END-OF-CHAPTER SUMMARY EQUATIONS INCREASE UNDERSTANDING. Chapter objectives help students know what content to focus on and retain. Key summary equations help students review what they have learned.

PRESENTATION IS IDEAL FOR THOSE NEW TO THE FIELD. Written as a basic learning tool for students in civil and mechanical engineering, this edition does not presume an extensive background in structural analysis. Math is presented in a simple and straightforward manner to maximize comprehension.

PRAGMATIC AND CONSISTENT STRUCTURE ENSURES UNDERSTANDING. Topics progress from basic to advanced as each chapter follows a similar structure and format. General principles are presented for each topic, followed by traditional applications of these principles as well as computer applications, where relevant.

EXTENSIVE APPENDICES OFFER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR REINFORCEMENT AND ADVANCED STUDY. Helpful appendices include basic matrix algebra (used throughout the text), solutions methods for simultaneous equations, equations from elasticity theory, equivalent nodal forces, the principle of virtual work, and properties of structural steel and aluminum shapes.