EngM-918 Fundamentals of Finite Elements

Instructor: Mehrdad Negahban

Office: W311 Nebraska Hall

Phone: 472-2397

e-mail: mnegahban@unl.edu

Office hours: MW 1:30-3:00, and when available

Overview: The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical procedure to solve partial differential equations. In this course we will learn how to setup, numerically implement, and solve problems using FEM. The focus will be on using FEM to solve initial and boundary value problems in solid mechanics.

The course will cover:

1. Object oriented programming in FEM
2. Weighted Residual Methods
3. Linear Problems (scalar and vector fields, multi physics)
4. Constraints
5. Non-Linear Problems
6. Initial-Value Problems
7. Bars, Plates and Shells
8. Numerical Implementation

Grade is based on: homework/projects

Course book:

The Finite Element Method: Its Bases and Fundamentals by O.C. Zienkiewicz, R. L. Taylor, J. Z. Zhu

Suggested Books:

1. Finite Element Procedures by Klaus-Jurgen Bathe
2. The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis by Thomas J. R. Hughes
3. An Introduction to the Finite Element Method by J. N Reddy