Introduction to the Finite Element Method using BASIC Programs

The parallel developments of high-speed low-cost computers and the finite element method have given today’s practising engineers previously unthought of analytical capabilities. The teaching of finite elements to undergraduates and to practising engineers in post-experience courses is commonplace, but much of it is done theoretically with little opportunity for the student to run actual programs. Introduction to the Finite Element Method using Basic Programs, 2nd edition , allows students to combine theory and practice. It provides five PC-based programs in BASIC, listed in full and also available on disk. The programs are in a user-friendly format, illustrating how the equations in the text are computer coded. This updated, revised and extended edition gives a comprehensive introduction to the understanding and use of the finite element method as applied to structures. The text methodically covers all the important bridges in understanding up to and including the introduction of isoparametric elements. A careful approach is adopted in the background theory with a full expansion of most equations.