A Unified Approach to the Finite Element Method and Error Analysis Procedures

This book provides an in-depth background to better understanding of finite element results and techniques for improving accuracy of finite element methods. Thus, the reader is able to identify and eliminate errors contained in finite element models. Three different error analysis techniques are systematically developed from a common theoretical foundation: 1) modeling erros in individual elements; 2) discretization errors in the overall model; 3) point-wise errors in the final stress or strain results. Thoroughly class tested with undergraduate and graduate students. A Unified Approach to the Finite Element Method and Error Analysis Procedures is sure to become an essential resource for students as well as practicing engineers and researchers.

John O. Dow is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering. He is a specialist in structural mechanics with extensive industrial experience in automotive engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering applications. Professor Dow is an active consultant in the industry of structural mechanics. His graduate students are employed as structural software engineers, bridge designers, offshore structures designers, and aerospace designers and analysts.