[share_ebook] [share_request] Nonlinear Finite Elements For Continua And Structures

This book is intended as an essential study aid for the finite element method. Based on the free computer algebra system Maxima, the authors offer routines for symbolically or numerically solving problems in the context of plane truss and frame structures, allowing readers to check classical ‘hand calculations’ on the one hand and to understand the computer implementation of the method on the other. The mechanical theories focus on the classical one-dimensional structural elements, i.e. bars, Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams, and their combination to generalized beam elements. Focusing on one-dimensional elements reduces the complexity of the mathematical framework, and the resulting matrix equations can be displayed with all components and not merely in the form of a symbolic representation. In addition, the use of a computer algebra system and the incorporated functions, e.g. for equation solving, allows readers to focus more on the methodology of the finite element method and not on standard procedures.

This book concerns the development of novel finite elements for the structural analysis of composite beams and blades. The introduction of material damping is also an important aspect of composite structures and it is presented here in terms of their static and dynamic behavior.

This course with 6 lecturers intends to present a systematic survey of recent re­ search results of well-known scientists on error-controlled adaptive finite element methods in solid and structural mechanics with emphasis to problem-dependent concepts for adaptivity, error analysis as well as h- and p-adaptive refinement techniques including meshing and remeshing. Challenging applications are of equal importance, including elastic and elastoplastic deformations of solids, con­ tact problems and thin-walled structures.

The two volumes of this book cover most of the theoretical and computational aspects of the linear static analysis of structures with the Finite Element Method (FEM). The content of the book is based on the lecture notes of a basic course on Structural Analysis with the FEM taught by the author at the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) in Barcelona, Spain for the last 30 years.