TABLE OF CONTENTS The finite element method (FEM), formally introduced by Clough [1] in 1960, has become a mature engineering discipline during the past forty years. In actual practice, finite element analysis is a systematic applied science, which incorporates (1) the definition of a physical model of a complex system as a collection of building blocks (finite elements), (2) the solution of matrix equations describing the physical model, and (3) the analysis and interpretation of numerical results. The foundations of finite element analysis are ( a) the design of consistent, robust finite elements [2]; and ( b) matrix methods of numerical analysis [3], [4], [5] (see Chap. 28, Part I). Originally developed to address modeling and analysis of complex structures, the finite element approach is now applied to a wide variety of engineering applications including heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics, as well as multiphysics (coupled interaction) applications.
Modern finite element programs include powerful graphical user interface (GUI) driven preprocessors and postprocessors, which automate routine operations required for the definition of models and the interpretation of numerical results, respectively (see Chap. 27). Moreover, finite element analysis, computer-assisted design and optimization, and laboratory/field testing are viewed as an integrated "concurrent engineering" process. Commercially available products, widely used in industry, include MSC/NASTRAN (a product of MSC.Software), ANSYS (a product family of ANSYS Incorporated), and ABAQUS (a product of HKS Incorporated), just to mention a few.
This chapter describes finite element modeling and analysis...
