This textbook offers theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method. The book equips readers with the skills required to analyze engineering problems using ANSYSŪ, a commercially available FEA program. Revised and updated, this new edition presents the most current ANSYSŪ commands and ANSYSŪ screen shots, as well as modeling steps for each example problem. This self-contained, introductory text minimizes the need for additional reference material by covering both the fundamental topics in finite element methods and advanced topics concerning modeling and analysis. It focuses on the use of ANSYSŪ through both the Graphics User Interface (GUI) and the ANSYSŪ Parametric Design Language (APDL). Extensive examples from a range of engineering disciplines are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step fashion. Key topics include:
• An introduction to FEM
• Fundamentals and analysis capabilities of ANSYSŪ
• Fundamentals of discretization and approximationfunctions
• Modeling techniques and mesh generation in ANSYSŪ
• Weighted residuals and minimum potential energy
• Development of macro files
• Linear structural analysis
• Heat transfer and moisture diffusion
• Nonlinear structural problems
• Advanced subjects such as submodeling, substructuring, interaction with external files, and modification of ANSYSŪ-GUI
Electronic supplementary material for using ANSYSŪ can be found at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4899-7550-8. This convenient online feature, which includes color figures, screen shots and input files for sample problems, allows for regeneration on the reader’s own computer. Students, researchers, and practitioners alike will find this an essential guide to predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems."