Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design

Finite Element Method (FEM) is one of the numerical methods of solving differential equations that describe many engineering problems. This new book covers the basic theory of FEM and includes appendices on each of the main FEA programs as reference. It introduces the concepts so that engineers can use the method efficiently and interpret the results properly. They'll learn about one-dimensional finite elements, including truss and beam elements, as well as two and three dimensional finite elements. Numerous examples are also included using ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, Pro/Engineer, and I-DEAS. This approach will help engineers develop a thorough understanding of the theory behind FEM as well as its application.

Dr. Nam-Ho Kim is presently Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida. He graduated with a Ph.D. in the Department of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1999 and worked at the Center for Computer-Aided Design as a postdoctoral associate until 2001. His research areas include structural design optimization, design sensitivity analysis, nonlinear structural mechanics, structural-acoustics, and meshfree method. He has published more than forty refereed journal and conference papers in the above areas.