While the theory and application of finite elements methods can be extended to incompatible, hybrid, and mixed element methods, important issues, such as determining the reliability of the solution of incompatible multivariable elements, along with a common perception of impracticality, have hindered the widespread implementation of these methods. Today, however, recent advances--many directly attributable to these authors--have allowed the development of the stability theory and abstract mathematics to useful tools. Hybrid and Incompatible Finite Element Methods introduces these advances in the theory and applications of incompatible and multivariable finite element methods. After an overview of the variation formulation of finite element methods in solid mechanics, the authors discuss the fundamental theory and systematically demonstrate the theoretical foundations of incompatible elements and their application to different problems in the theory of elasticity. They also introduce new ideas in the development of hybrid finite elements, study the numerical stability of the hybrid and mixed element, and establish the theory of zero energy deformation modes. The final chapters, explore applications to fracture problems, present a bound analysis for fracture parameters, and demonstrate an implementation of a finite element analysis program.

While the theory and application of finite elements methods can be extended to incompatible, hybrid, and mixed element methods, important issues, such as determining the reliability of the solution of incompatible multivariable elements, along with a common perception of impracticality, have hindered the widespread implementation of these methods. Today, however, recent advances--many directly attributable to these authors--have allowed the development of the stability theory and abstract mathematics to useful tools. Hybrid and Incompatible Finite Element Methods introduces these advances in the theory and applications of incompatible and multivariable finite element methods. After an overview of the variation formulation of finite element methods in solid mechanics, the authors discuss the fundamental theory and systematically demonstrate the theoretical foundations of incompatible elements and their application to different problems in the theory of elasticity. They also introduce new ideas in the development of hybrid finite elements, study the numerical stability of the hybrid and mixed element, and establish the theory of zero energy deformation modes. The final chapters, explore applications to fracture problems, present a bound analysis for fracture parameters, and demonstrate an implementation of a finite element analysis program.

While the theory and application of finite elements methods can be extended to incompatible, hybrid, and mixed element methods, important issues, such as determining the reliability of the solution of incompatible multivariable elements, along with a common perception of impracticality, have hindered the widespread implementation of these methods.

This book describes the various Smoothed Point Interpolation Method (S-PIM) models in a systematic, concise and easy-to-understand manner. The underlying principles for the next generation of computational methods, G space theory, novel weakened weak (W2) formulations, techniques for shape functions, formulation procedures, and implementation strategies are presented in detail.

Based on the widely used finite element method (FEM) and the latest Meshfree methods, a next generation of numerical method called Smoothed Point Interpolation Method (S-PIM) has been recently developed. The S-PIM is an innovative and effective combination of the FEM and the meshfree methods, and enables automation in computation, modeling and simulations — one of the most important features of the next generation methods. This important book describes the various S-PIM models in a systematic, concise and easy-to-understand manner. The underlying principles for the next generation of computational methods, G space theory, novel weakened weak (W2) formulations, techniques for shape functions, formulation procedures, and implementation strategies are presented in detail. Numerous examples are provided to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the S-PIM solutions in comparison with the FEM and other existing methods. Effective techniques to compute solution bounds employing both S-PIM and FEM are highlighted to obtain certified solutions with both upper and lower bounds.The book also presents a systematically way to conduct adaptive analysis for solutions of desired accuracy using these bound properties, which is another key feature of the next generation of computational methods. This will benefit researchers, engineers and students who are venturing into new areas of research and computer code development.

The finite element method (FEM) is the dominant tool for numerical analysis in engineering, yet many engineers apply it without fully understanding all the principles. Learning the method can be challenging, but Mike Gosz has condensed the basic mathematics, concepts, and applications into a simple and easy-to-understand reference. Finite Element Method: Applications in Solids, Structures, and Heat Transfer navigates through linear, linear dynamic, and nonlinear finite elements with an emphasis on building confidence and familiarity with the method, not just the procedures. This book demystifies the assumptions made, the boundary conditions chosen, and whether or not proper failure criteria are used. It reviews the basic math underlying FEM, including matrix algebra, the Taylor series expansion and divergence theorem, vectors, tensors, and mechanics of continuous media. The author discusses applications to problems in solid mechanics, the steady-state heat equation, continuum and structural finite elements, linear transient analysis, small-strain plasticity, and geometrically nonlinear problems. He illustrates the material with 10 case studies, which define the problem, consider appropriate solution strategies, and warn against common pitfalls. Additionally, 35 interactive virtual reality modeling language files are available for download from the CRC Web site. For anyone first studying FEM or for those who simply wish to deepen their understanding, Finite Element Method: Applications in Solids, Structures, and Heat Transfer is the perfect resource.

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.