Structural Analysis with Finite Elements

What are finite elements?.- What are boundary elements?.- Frames.- Plane problems.- Slabs.- Shells.- Theoretical details.

Structural Analysis with Finite Elements develops the foundations and applications of the finite element method in structural analysis in a language which is familiar to structural engineers and based on a foundation that enables structural engineers to address key questions that arise in computer modelling of structures with finite elements. At the same time, it uncovers the structural mechanics behind the finite element method. This innovative text explores and explains issues such as: why finite element results are 'wrong,' why support reactions are relatively accurate, why stresses at midpoints are more reliable, why averaging the stresses sometimes may not help or why the equilibrium conditions are violated. An additional chapter treats the boundary element method, and related software is available at www.winfem.de.

From the reviews:



"Structural Analysis with Finite Elements provides a new foundation for the finite element method that enables structural engineers to address key questions that arise in computer modeling of structures with finite elements. ... The authors deserve full marks for a difficult assignment. Users of finite element software in mechanical and civil engineering will have reason to feel delighted to own a copy of the book. The book is certain to stimulate a heightened research interest in the vital area of finite elements." (Current Engineering Practice - online, Vol. 47, 2004/2005)

"This book explains the theoretical foundations of the finite element method and its application in civil engineering. ... the text is addressed to practitioners who wish to gain inside into a method which is widely applied in today's design processes. ... The book seems mainly intended for the civil engineer who already applies finite element software, but it also offers interesting insight for those studying numerical methods in engineering." (Technische Mechanik, Vol. 25 (3-4), 2005)

From the reviews of the second edition:



"The emphasis of the book is static structural design. ... The book is well written and would be a valuable addition for the library of a structural engineer." (J. Genin, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1139 (17), 2008)