Introduction to Finite Element Methods

The textbook at hand offers an introduction to Finite Element Methods from an engineering point of view comprising the basic principles of virtual work, derivations of displacement-based, mixed and hybrid element formulations for 1-D and 2-D membrane as well as bending structures and heat conduction. Different element geometries, including triangular elements and the isoparametric concept, and related numerical integration schemes, are presented. The element matrices and load vectors are derived in detail, the assembly at the system level is discussed with respect to fulfillment of boundary conditions and numerical efficiency. Evaluation of errors and investigations concerning the quality of the elements complete the work flow. 

Dieter Dinkler is Professor emeritus of Structural Analysis at Technische Universität Braunschweig. Ursula Kowalsky is Associate Professor of Structural Analysis at Technische Universität Braunschweig.