A Unified Approach to the Finite Element Method and Error Analysis Procedures provides an in-depth background to better understanding of finite element results and techniques for improving accuracy of finite element methods. Thus, the reader is able to identify and eliminate errors contained in finite element models. Three different error analysis techniques are systematically developed from a common theoretical foundation: 1) modeling erros in individual elements; 2) discretization errors in the overall model; 3) point-wise errors in the final stress or strain results. Thoroughly class tested with undergraduate and graduate students. A Unified Approach to the Finite Element Method and Error Analysis Procedures is sure to become an essential resource for students as well as practicing engineers and researchers. New, simpler element formulation techniques, model-independent results, and error measures New polynomial-based methods for identifying critical points New procedures for evaluating sheer/strain accuracy Accessible to undergraduates, insightful to researchers, and useful to practitioners Taylor series (polynomial) based Intuitive elemental and point-wise error measures Essential background information provided in 12 appendices

Finite Element Analysis is a very popular, computer-based tool that uses a complex system of points called nodes to make a grid called a "mesh. " The mesh contains the material and structural properties that define how the structure will react to certain loading conditions, allowing virtual testing and analysis of stresses or changes applied to the material or component design. This groundbreaking text extends the usefulness of finite element analysis by helping both beginners and advanced users alike. It simplifies, improves, and extends both the finite element method while at the same time advancing adaptive refinement procedures. These improvements are made possible due to a change in notation that embeds knowledge of solid continuum mechanics into the equations used to formulate the stiffness matrices; this allows the modeling characteristics of individual elements to be identified by visual inspection. The ability to visually relate the equations involved in element formulation to the physical process they represent is like having an x-ray of the inner workings of the finite element method; it is similar is to the effect that Graphical User Interfaces or GUI's had on computing. As a result, students at any level of finite element study are provided with an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of this powerful analytic tool. The book presents * A more simplified approach to finite element analysis based on computational continuum mechanics * Physically interpretable notation that identifies a common basis for the finite element and the finite difference methods. * New point-wise error estimators that identify errors in terms of quantities of direct interest in solid mechanics

This book presents a straightforward introduction to the finite element method, error analysis, and adaptive refinement. It provides an easy-to-read overview that allows the contents of other finite element books and finite element courses to be seen in perspective as the various procedures are encountered. Furthermore, it provides developments that improve the procedures contained in the standard finite element textbook. As a result, when this book is used alone or in conjunction with other presentations, the reader is capable of critically assessing the capabilities of the finite element method.

An up-to-date, one-stop reference-complete with applications This volume presents the most up-to-date information available on aposteriori error estimation for finite element approximation inmechanics and mathematics. It emphasizes methods for ellipticboundary value problems and includes applications to incompressibleflow and nonlinear problems. Recent years have seen an explosion in the study of a posteriorierror estimators due to their remarkable influence on improvingboth accuracy and reliability in scientific computing. In an effortto provide an accessible source, the authors have sought to presentkey ideas and common principles on a sound mathematicalfooting. Topics covered in this timely reference include: * Implicit and explicit a posteriori error estimators * Recovery-based error estimators * Estimators, indicators, and hierarchic bases * The equilibrated residual method * Methodology for the comparison of estimators * Estimation of errors in quantities of interest A Posteriori Error Estimation in Finite Element Analysis is a lucidand convenient resource for researchers in almost any field offinite element methods, and for applied mathematicians andengineers who have an interest in error estimation and/or finiteelements.

These Lecture Notes have been compiled from the material presented by the second author in a lecture series ('Nachdiplomvorlesung') at the Department of Mathematics of the ETH Zurich during the summer term 2002. Concepts of 'self adaptivity' in the numerical solution of differential equations are discussed with emphasis on Galerkin finite element methods. The key issues are a posteriori er ror estimation and automatic mesh adaptation. Besides the traditional approach of energy-norm error control, a new duality-based technique, the Dual Weighted Residual method (or shortly D WR method) for goal-oriented error estimation is discussed in detail. This method aims at economical computation of arbitrary quantities of physical interest by properly adapting the computational mesh. This is typically required in the design cycles of technical applications. For example, the drag coefficient of a body immersed in a viscous flow is computed, then it is minimized by varying certain control parameters, and finally the stability of the resulting flow is investigated by solving an eigenvalue problem. 'Goal-oriented' adaptivity is designed to achieve these tasks with minimal cost. The basics of the DWR method and various of its applications are described in the following survey articles: R. Rannacher [114], Error control in finite element computations. In: Proc. of Summer School Error Control and Adaptivity in Scientific Computing (H. Bulgak and C. Zenger, eds), pp. 247-278. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1998. M. Braack and R. Rannacher [42], Adaptive finite element methods for low Mach-number flows with chemical reactions.

This book provides a solid introduction to the foundation and the application of the finite element method in structural analysis. It offers new theoretical insight and practical advice. This second edition contains additional sections on sensitivity analysis, on retrofitting structures, on the Generalized FEM (X-FEM) and on model adaptivity. An additional chapter treats the boundary element method, and related software is available at www.winfem.de.

This third volume of eight from the IMAC - XXXII Conference, brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Dynamics, including papers on: Linear Systems Substructure Modelling Adaptive Structures Experimental Techniques Analytical Methods Damage Detection Damping of Materials & Members Modal Parameter Identification Modal Testing Methods System Identification Active Control Modal Parameter Estimation Processing Modal Data