The Finite Element Method

The third edition of the book introduces the fundamentals of the finite element method through simple examples and an applications-oriented approach using the latest computational tools. Using the transport equation for heat transfer as the foundation for the governing equations, text demonstrates the versatility of the method of weighted residuals for a wide range of applications including structural analysis and fluid flow. It introduces the boundary element method and meshless, or mesh-free, methods through two additonal chapters. User-friendly computer codes written in MATLAB, MAPLE and FORTRAN are listed.