Learning the Finite Element Method: A Practical Guide for Engineers

[Niles]

Hi guys

I wish to self-study the Finite Element Method. I am mostly interested in learning how to understand and implement the method rather than to investigate if a solution exists, i.e. I wish to follow the "engineering-approach" rather than the "mathematician-approach".

Do you have any recommendations for a book?


Niles.

 

[SteamKing]

It's a bit dated now, but "Applied Finite Element Analysis" (2. ed.) by Larry J. Segerlind gives a good introduction to basic 2-D FEA. The book itself covers several different FE applications and includes programming examples in Fortran 77. This edition appeared in 1985 and you might be able to download it from the internet. Well worth a look.

 

[Unrest]

There are many old books that seem to do what you want. They often have code listings, but it can be easier to understand the equations than 70's/80's style Fortran mess. A classic is by S.S.Rao which covers membranes, solids, quadratic elements, and some special purpose ones.

If you want I can send you a very concise walkthrough for implementing 2D truss/beam elements that I got from a course. You can then extended that with help from a textbook.

 

[Niles]

If you want I can send you a very concise walkthrough for implementing 2D truss/beam elements that I got from a course. You can then extended that with help from a textbook.

Thanks, I would be very much interested in that! I'll PM you my email.

And thanks for all the suggestions so far.