Finite Element Method

This teaching and learning package is an introduction to the finite element method. It covers basic concepts including meshes, nodes, degrees of freedom and boundary conditions. The direct stiffness method is also introduced, as is the global stiffness matrix and interpolation functions. The basic steps in constructing a finite element model are also covered.

• Aims
• Before you start
• Introduction
• Nodes, elements, degrees of freedom and boundary conditions
• Direct stiffness method and the global stiffness matrix
• Enforcing Boundary Conditions
• Interpolation/Basis/Shape Functions
• 1D first order shape functions
• 1D second order shape functions
• Typical steps during FEM modelling
• Summary
• Questions

Begin

First created: August 2016.

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