The Finite Element Method and Applications in Engineering Using ANSYS ®

Abstract

The finite element method (FEM) has become a staple for predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems. The commercial finite ele- ment analysis (FEA) programs have gained common acceptance among engineers in industry and researchers at universities and government laboratories. Therefore, academic engineering departments include graduate or undergraduate senior-level courses that cover not only the theory of FEM but also its applications using the commercially available FEA programs. The goal of this book is to provide students with a theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method and the skills required to analyze engineer- ing problems with ANSYS ® , a commercially available FEA program. This book, designed for seniors and first-year graduate students, as well as practicing engi- neers, is introductory and self-contained in order to minimize the need for addi- tional reference material