Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
Figure 1.10
(a) A finite element model of a prosthetic hand for weightlifting. (b) Completed
prototype of a prosthetic hand, attached to a bar.
(Courtesy of Payam Sadat. All rights reserved.)
1.6 OBJECTIVES OF THE TEXT
I wrote
Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis
for use in senior-level finite
element courses in engineering programs. The majority of available textbooks
on the finite element method are written for graduate-level courses. These
texts are heavy on the theory of finite element analysis and rely on mathematical
techniques (notably,
variational calculus
) that are not usually in the repertoire of
undergraduate engineering students. Knowledge of advanced mathematical tech-
niques is not required for successful use of this text. The prerequisite study is
based on the undergraduate coursework common to most engineering programs:
linear algebra, calculus through differential equations, and the usual series of
statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. Although not required, prior study
of fluid mechanics and heat transfer is helpful. Given this assumed background,
the finite element method is developed on the basis of physical laws (equilib-
rium, conservation of mass, and the like), the principle of minimum potential en-
ergy (Chapter 2), and Galerkin's finite element method (introduced and devel-
oped in Chapter 5).
