Pragmatic Introduction To The Finite Element Method For Thermal And Stress Analysis A With The Matlab Toolkit Sofea

This textbook provides an accessible and self-contained description of the Galerkin finite element method for the two important models of continuum mechanics, transient heat conduction and elastodynamics, from formulation of the governing equations to implementation in Matlab.The coverage follows an intuitive approach: the salient features of each initial boundary value problem are reviewed, including a thorough description of the boundary conditions; the method of weighted residuals is applied to derive the discrete equations; and clear examples are introduced to illustrate the method.

All relevant implementation aspects of finite element methods are discussed in this book. The focus is on algorithms and data structures as well as on their concrete implementation. Theory is covered only as far as it gives insight into the construction of algorithms. In the exercises, a complete FE-solver for stationary 2D problems is implemented in Matlab/Octave. Contents: Finite Element Fundamentals Grids and Finite Elements Assembly Solvers Error Estimation Mesh Refinement Multigrid Elastomechanics Fluid Mechanics Grid Data Structure Function Reference

This book is an attempt to develop a guide for the user who is interested in learning the method by doing. There is enough discussion of some of the basic theory so that the user can get a broad understanding of the process. And there are many examples with step-by-step instructions for the user to quickly develop some proficiency in using FEA. We have used Matlab and its PDE toolbox for the examples in this text. The syntax and the modeling process are easy to understand and a new user can become productive very quickly. The PDE toolbox, just like any other commercial software, can solve certain classes of problems well but is not capable of solving every type of problem. For example, it can solve linear problems but is not capable of handling non-linear problems. Being aware of the capabilities of any tool is an important lesson for the user and we have, with this book, tried to highlight that lesson as well.

Expanded to include a broader range of problems than the bestselling first edition, Finite Element Method Using MATLAB: Second Edition presents finite element approximation concepts, formulation, and programming in a format that effectively streamlines the learning process. It is written from a general engineering and mathematical perspective rather than that of a solid/structural mechanics basis. What's new in the Second Edition? Each chapter in the Second Edition now includes an overview that outlines the contents and purpose of each chapter. The authors have also added a new chapter of special topics in applications, including cracks, semi-infinite and infinite domains, buckling, and thermal stress. They discuss three different linearization techniques to solve nonlinear differential equations. Also included are new sections on shell formulations and MATLAB programs. These enhancements increase the book's already significant value both as a self-study text and a reference for practicing engineers and scientists.

This much-anticipated second edition introduces the fundamentals of the finite element method featuring clear-cut examples and an applications-oriented approach. Using the transport equation for heat transfer as the foundation for the governing equations, this new edition demonstrates the versatility of the method for a wide range of applications, including structural analysis and fluid flow. Much attention is given to the development of the discrete set of algebraic equations, beginning with simple one-dimensional problems that can be solved by inspection, continuing to two- and three-dimensional elements, and ending with three chapters describing applications. The increased number of example problems per chapter helps build an understanding of the method to define and organize required initial and boundary condition data for specific problems. In addition to exercises that can be worked out manually, this new edition refers to user-friendly computer codes for solving one-, two-, and three-dimensional problems. Among the first FEM textbooks to include finite element software, the book contains a website with access to an even more comprehensive list of finite element software written in FEMLAB, MAPLE, MathCad, MATLAB, FORTRAN, C++, and JAVA - the most popular programming languages. This textbook is valuable for senior level undergraduates in mechanical, aeronautical, electrical, chemical, and civil engineering. Useful for short courses and home-study learning, the book can also serve as an introduction for first-year graduate students new to finite element coursework and as a refresher for industry professionals. The book is a perfect lead-in to Intermediate Finite Element Method: Fluid Flow and Heat and Transfer Applications (Taylor & Francis, 1999, Hb 1560323094).

Heat transfer analysis is a problem of major significance in a vast range of industrial applications. These extend over the fields of mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, chemical engineering and numerous applications in civil and electrical engineering. If one considers the heat conduction equation alone the number of practical problems amenable to solution is extensive. Expansion of the work to include features such as phase change, coupled heat and mass transfer, and thermal stress analysis provides the engineer with the capability to address a further series of key engineering problems. The complexity of practical problems is such that closed form solutions are not generally possible. The use of numerical techniques to solve such problems is therefore considered essential, and this book presents the use of the powerful finite element method in heat transfer analysis. Starting with the fundamental general heat conduction equation, the book moves on to consider the solution of linear steady state heat conduction problems, transient analyses and non-linear examples. Problems of melting and solidification are then considered at length followed by a chapter on convection. The application of heat and mass transfer to drying problems and the calculation of both thermal and shrinkage stresses conclude the book. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the basic concepts introduced. This book is the outcome of the teaching and research experience of the authors over a period of more than 20 years.

This self-explanatory guide introduces the basic fundamentals of the Finite Element Method in a clear manner using comprehensive examples. Beginning with the concept of one-dimensional heat transfer, the first chapters include one-dimensional problems that can be solved by inspection. The book progresses through more detailed two-dimensional elements to three-dimensional elements, including discussions on various applications, and ending with introductory chapters on the boundary element and meshless methods, where more input data must be provided to solve problems. Emphasis is placed on the development of the discrete set of algebraic equations. The example problems and exercises in each chapter explain the procedure for defining and organizing the required initial and boundary condition data for a specific problem, and computer code listings in MATLAB and MAPLE are included for setting up the examples within the text, including COMSOL files. Widely used as an introductory Finite Element Method text since 1992 and used in past ASME short courses and AIAA home study courses, this text is intended for undergraduate and graduate students taking Finite Element Methodology courses, engineers working in the industry that need to become familiar with the FEM, and engineers working in the field of heat transfer. It can also be used for distance education courses that can be conducted on the web. Highlights of the new edition include: - Inclusion of MATLAB, MAPLE code listings, along with several COMSOL files, for the example problems within the text. Power point presentations per chapter and a solution manual are also available from the web. - Additional introductory chapters on the boundary element method and the meshless method. - Revised and updated content. -Simple and easy to follow guidelines for understanding and applying the Finite Element Method.

The rapid advances in the nuclear and aerospace technologies in the past two decades compounded with the increasing demands for high performance, energy-efficient power plant components and engines have made reliable thermal stress analysis a critical factor in the design and operation of such equipment. Recently, and as experienced by the author, the need for sophis ticated analyses has been extended to the energy resource industry such as in-situ coal gasification and in-situ oil recovery from oil sands and shales. The analyses in the above applications are of a multidisciplinary nature, and some involve the additional complexity of multiphase and phase change phenomena. These extremely complicated factors preclude the use of classical methods, and numerical techniques such as the finite element method appear to be the most viable alternative solution. The development of this technique so far appears to have concentrated in two extremes; one being overly concerned with the accuracy of results and tending to place all effort in the implementation of special purpose element concepts and computational algorithms, the other being for commercial purposes with the ability of solving a wide range of engineering problems. However, to be versatile, users require substantial training and experience in order to use these codes effectively. Above all, no provision for any modifi cation of these codes by users is possible, as all these codes are proprietary and access to the code is limited only to the owners.

There are some books that target the theory of the finite element, while others focus on the programming side of things. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis Using MATLAB and Abaqus accomplishes both. This book teaches the first principles of the finite element method. It presents the theory of the finite element method while maintaining a balan