Finite Element Methods for Engineers

This revised text serves as an introduction to finite element methods. Its main emphasis is on the simplest methods suitable for solving two-dimensional continuum mechanics problems, particularly those encountered in stress analysis, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Complete FORTRAN programs are presented, described and discussed in detail, with a number of practical case studies. Finite element methods are compared and contrasted with finite difference methods, and throughout the book the level of computer programming, continuum mechanics, numerical analysis, matrix algebra and other mathematics employed corresponds to undergraduate engineering course.