Finite Element Analysis

There are several objectives in this book. These include teaching the history, basic principles, and the theory of finite element analysis. The students will be introduced to applications of finite element analysis to real-world applications. These applications include, but are not limited to, analysis of thin shells, fracture mechanics, analysis of reinforced beams and columns, stress analysis, earthquake analysis of structures, buckling, seepage under a dam, a medical example, registration of MRI and PET scans, and a finite element analysis of the Golden Gate Bridge. These examples come from my own personal work experiences, research, and technical publications authored by me and persons instrumental in the development of the finite element method.

James A. Mandel, P.E., is a registered professional engineer. He designed bridges on the interstate highway system. He also did the structural design of the Gemini Ballute. He was a full-time professor in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Syracuse University from 1967 to 2008.

James Mandel was born on December 25, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pa. James earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1956 from Carnegie Institute of Technology. In the summer between his junior and senior years, he worked for the Bureau of Ships in Washington, D.C. From 1956 until 1961, except for six months in the US Army, James worked for Richardson, Gordon, and Associates. He designed many bridges.

In 1962, James received an M.S. in civil engineering from Carnegie Institute of Technology. From 1962 to 1964, he worked for Goodyear Aerospace Corporation.

He was in charge of the structural design and wind tunnel testing of the Gemini Ballute.

In 1967, he received a Ph.D. in civil engineering at Syracuse University. From 1967 to 2008, he was a professor at Syracuse University. James married Carolyn Lisi on June 26, 1998.