The Mathematical Foundations of the Finite Element Method with Applications to Partial Differential Equations is a collection of papers presented at the 1972 Symposium by the same title, held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus. This symposium relates considerable numerical analysis involved in research in both theoretical and practical aspects of the finite element method. This text is organized into three parts encompassing 34 chapters. Part I focuses on the mathematical foundations of the finite element method, including papers on theory of approximation, variational principles, the problems of perturbations, and the eigenvalue problem. Part II covers a large number of important results of both a theoretical and a practical nature. This part discusses the piecewise analytic interpolation and approximation of triangulated polygons; the Patch test for convergence of finite elements; solutions for Dirichlet problems; variational crimes in the field; and superconvergence result for the approximate solution of the heat equation by a collocation method. Part III explores the many practical aspects of finite element method. This book will be of great value to mathematicians, engineers, and physicists.

The objective of this book is to analyze within reasonable limits (it is not a treatise) the basic mathematical aspects of the finite element method. The book should also serve as an introduction to current research on this subject. On the one hand, it is also intended to be a working textbook for advanced courses in Numerical Analysis, as typically taught in graduate courses in American and French universities. For example, it is the author's experience that a one-semester course (on a three-hour per week basis) can be taught from Chapters 1, 2 and 3 (with the exception of Section 3.3), while another one-semester course can be taught from Chapters 4 and 6. On the other hand, it is hoped that this book will prove to be useful for researchers interested in advanced aspects of the numerical analysis of the finite element method. In this respect, Section 3.3, Chapters 5, 7 and 8, and the sections on "Additional Bibliography and Comments should provide many suggestions for conducting seminars.

A rigorous and thorough mathematical introduction to the subject; A clear and concise treatment of modern fast solution techniques such as multigrid and domain decomposition algorithms; Second edition contains two new chapters, as well as many new exercises; Previous edition sold over 3000 copies worldwide