Finite Elements Methods

4.0 credits

This course provides a thorough grounding on the theory and application of linear steady-state finite element method (FEM) applied to solid mechanics. Topics include: review of matrix algebra and solid mechanics, Principle of Minimum Potential Energy, Rayleigh Ritz Method, FEM computational procedures, isoparametric shape functions and numerical integration for 1D, 2D, and 3D elements, error estimation and convergence, and the demonstration of FEM best practices using a commercial FEM code. A semester project that involves coding FEM software in Matlab is required for graduate students.