The Finite Element Method in Engineering

Finite Element Analysis is an analytical engineering tool originated by the Aerospace and nuclear power industries to find usable, approximate solutions to problems with many complex variables. This title provides a grounding of the mathematical principles for setting up finite element solutions in civil, and, mechanical engineering applications.

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The Finite Element Method in Engineering, Fifth Edition, provides a complete introduction to finite element methods with applications to solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Written by bestselling author S.S. Rao, this book provides students with a thorough grounding of the mathematical principles for setting up finite element solutions in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering applications. The new edition of this textbook includes examples using modern computer tools such as MatLab, Ansys, Nastran, and Abaqus.This book discusses a wide range of topics, including discretization of the domain; interpolation models; higher order and isoparametric elements; derivation of element matrices and vectors; assembly of element matrices and vectors and derivation of system equations; numerical solution of finite element equations; basic equations of fluid mechanics; inviscid and irrotational flows; solution of quasi-harmonic equations; and solutions of Helmhotz and Reynolds equations. New to this edition are examples and applications in Matlab, Ansys, and Abaqus; structured problem solving approach in all worked examples; and new discussions throughout, including the direct method of deriving finite element equations, use of strong and weak form formulations, complete treatment of dynamic analysis, and detailed analysis of heat transfer problems. All figures are revised and redrawn for clarity.This book will benefit professional engineers, practicing engineers learning finite element methods, and students in mechanical, structural, civil, and aerospace engineering.