This book is the first to apply the Spectral Finite Element Method (SFEM) to inhomogeneous and anisotropic structures in a unified and systematic manner. Readers will gain understanding of how to formulate Spectral Finite Element; learn about wave behaviour in inhomogeneous and anisotropic media; and, be able to design some diagnostic tools for monitoring the health of a structure. Tables, figures and graphs support the theory and case studies are included.

Incorporating new topics and original material, Introduction to Finite and Spectral Element Methods Using MATLAB, Second Edition enables readers to quickly understand the theoretical foundation and practical implementation of the finite element method and its companion spectral element method. Readers gain hands-on computational experience by using

Spectral Element Method in Structural Dynamics is a concise and timely introduction to the spectral element method (SEM) as a means of solving problems in structural dynamics, wave propagations, and other related fields. The book consists of three key sections. In the first part, background knowledge is set up for the readers by reviewing previous work in the area and by providing the fundamentals for the spectral analysis of signals. In the second part, the theory of spectral element method is provided, focusing on how to formulate spectral element models and how to conduct spectral element analysis to obtain the dynamic responses in both frequency- and time-domains. In the last part, the applications of SEM to various structural dynamics problems are introduced, including beams, plates, pipelines, axially moving structures, rotor systems, multi-layered structures, smart structures, composite laminated structures, periodic lattice structures, blood flow, structural boundaries, joints, structural damage, and impact forces identifications, as well as the SEM-FEM hybrid method. Presents all aspects of SEM in one volume, both theory and applications Helps students and professionals master associated theories, modeling processes, and analysis methods Demonstrates where and how to apply SEM in practice Introduces real-world examples across a variety of structures Shows how models can be used to evaluate the accuracy of other solution methods Cross-checks against solutions obtained by conventional FEM and other solution methods Comes with downloadable code examples for independent practice Spectral Element Method in Structural Dynamics can be used by graduate students of aeronautical, civil, naval architectures, mechanical, structural and biomechanical engineering. Researchers in universities, technical institutes, and industries will also find the book to be a helpful reference highlighting SEM applications to various engineering problems in areas of structural dynamics, wave propagations, and other related subjects. The book can also be used by students, professors, and researchers who want to learn more efficient and more accurate computational methods useful for their research topics from all areas of engineering, science and mathematics, including the areas of computational mechanics and numerical methods.

This monograph considers engineering systems with random parame ters. Its context, format, and timing are correlated with the intention of accelerating the evolution of the challenging field of Stochastic Finite Elements. The random system parameters are modeled as second order stochastic processes defined by their mean and covari ance functions. Relying on the spectral properties of the covariance function, the Karhunen-Loeve expansion is used' to represent these processes in terms of a countable set of un correlated random vari ables. Thus, the problem is cast in a finite dimensional setting. Then, various spectral approximations for the stochastic response of the system are obtained based on different criteria. Implementing the concept of Generalized Inverse as defined by the Neumann Ex pansion, leads to an explicit expression for the response process as a multivariate polynomial functional of a set of un correlated random variables. Alternatively, the solution process is treated as an element in the Hilbert space of random functions, in which a spectral repre sentation in terms of the Polynomial Chaoses is identified. In this context, the solution process is approximated by its projection onto a finite subspace spanned by these polynomials.

In the wake of the computer revolution, a large number of apparently uncon nected computational techniques have emerged. Also, particular methods have assumed prominent positions in certain areas of application. Finite element methods, for example, are used almost exclusively for solving structural problems; spectral methods are becoming the preferred approach to global atmospheric modelling and weather prediction; and the use of finite difference methods is nearly universal in predicting the flow around aircraft wings and fuselages. These apparently unrelated techniques are firmly entrenched in computer codes used every day by practicing scientists and engineers. Many of these scientists and engineers have been drawn into the computational area without the benefit offormal computational training. Often the formal computational training we do provide reinforces the arbitrary divisions between the various computational methods available. One of the purposes of this monograph is to show that many computational techniques are, indeed, closely related. The Galerkin formulation, which is being used in many subject areas, provides the connection. Within the Galerkin frame-work we can generate finite element, finite difference, and spectral methods.

Along with finite differences and finite elements, spectral methods are one of the three main methodologies for solving partial differential equations on computers. This book provides a detailed presentation of basic spectral algorithms, as well as a systematical presentation of basic convergence theory and error analysis for spectral methods. Readers of this book will be exposed to a unified framework for designing and analyzing spectral algorithms for a variety of problems, including in particular high-order differential equations and problems in unbounded domains. The book contains a large number of figures which are designed to illustrate various concepts stressed in the book. A set of basic matlab codes has been made available online to help the readers to develop their own spectral codes for their specific applications.

An introductory text to a range of numerical methods used today to simulate time-dependent processes in Earth science, physics, engineering and many other fields. It looks under the hood of current simulation technology and provides guidelines on what to look out for when carrying out sophisticated simulation tasks.