Introduction to Approximate Solution Techniques, Numerical Modeling, and Finite Element Methods (Civil and Environmental Engineering)

Functions as a self-study guide for engineers and as a textbook for nonengineering students and engineering students, emphasizing generic forms of differential equations, applying approximate solution techniques to examples, and progressing to specific physical problems in modular, self-contained chapters that integrate into the text or can stand alone!

This reference/text focuses on classical approximate solution techniques such as the finite difference method, the method of weighted residuals, and variation methods, culminating in an introduction to the finite element method (FEM).

Discusses the general notion of approximate solutions and associated errors!

With 1500 equations and more than 750 references, drawings, and tables, Introduction to Approximate Solution Techniques, Numerical Modeling, and Finite Element Methods:

Describes the approximate solution of ordinary and partial differential equations using the finite difference method

Covers the method of weighted residuals, including specific weighting and trial functions

Considers variational methods

Highlights all aspects associated with the formulation of finite element equations

Outlines meshing of the solution domain, nodal specifications, solution of global equations, solution refinement, and assessment of results

Containing appendices that present concise overviews of topics and serve as rudimentary tutorials for professionals and students without a background in computational mechanics, Introduction to Approximate Solution Techniques, Numerical Modeling, and Finite Element Methods is a blue-chip reference for civil, mechanical, structural, aerospace, and industrial engineers, and a practical text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students studying approximate solution techniques and the FEM.