Finite Elements Methods

4.0 credits

This course provides a thorough grounding on the theory and application of linear finite element analysis in solid mechanics and related disciplines. Topics: structural matrix analysis concepts and computational procedures; shape functions and element formulation methods for 1-D, 2-D problems; variational methods, weighted residual methods and Galerkin techniques; isoparametric elements; error estimation and convergence; global analysis aspects. Term project and homework require computer implementation of 1-D and 2-D finite element procedures using Matlab. Term project not required for ME254