The Finite Element Method in Engineering

Finite Element Analysis is an analytical engineering tool originated by the Aerospace and nuclear power industries to find usable, approximate solutions to problems with many complex variables. It is an extension of derivative and integral calculus, and uses very large matrix arrays and mesh diagrams to calculate stress points, movement of loads and forces, and other basic physical behaviors. Rao provides a thorough grounding of the mathematical principles for setting up finite element solutions in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering applications. The new edition includes examples using modern computer tools such as Matlab, Ansys, Nastran, and Abaqus.

Professional engineers will benefit from the introduction to the many useful applications of finite element analysis, and will gain a better understanding of its limitations and special uses.

New to this edition: Examples and applications in Matlab, Ansys, and Abaqus Structured problem solving approach in all worked examples New discussions throughout, including the direct method of deriving finite element equations, use of strong and weak form formulations, complete treatment of dynamic analysis, and detailed analysis of heat transfer problems

More examples and exercises All figures revised and redrawn for clarity