The finite element method is a numerical technique used to solve engineering and mathematical problems by dividing them into smaller, simpler parts called finite elements. It is commonly used in structural analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, and other fields of engineering and physics.
Some popular books on finite element methods include "A First Course in Finite Elements" by Jacob Fish and Ted Belytschko, "Finite Element Procedures" by Klaus-Jürgen Bathe, and "The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis" by Thomas J. R. Hughes.
Yes, there are plenty of online resources available for learning finite element methods. Some popular ones include the MIT OpenCourseWare, Coursera, and edX, which offer free online courses on the topic. There are also many tutorials, videos, and forums available on the internet.
The finite element method has several advantages, including its ability to handle complex geometries and boundary conditions, its flexibility to model different materials and physical phenomena, and its accuracy in solving complex problems. It also allows for efficient use of computing resources and can handle both linear and nonlinear problems.
While finite element method is a powerful tool, it also has some limitations. It can be computationally expensive for large-scale problems, and the accuracy of the results is highly dependent on the quality of the mesh and the assumptions made in the model. It also requires expertise and experience to use effectively, and may not always provide intuitive insights into the problem being solved.