Unique in approach and content, this book presents the theory of finite element analysis, explores its application as a design/modeling tool, and explainsin detailhow to use ANSYS intelligently and effectively.This book covers trusses; axial members, beams, and frames; one-dimensional elements; two-dimensional elements; three-dimensional elements; dynamic problems; design and material selection; design optimization; and more.For Design Engineers in CAE-CAD.

The second edition ofFinite Element Analysis,consisting of 15 chapters, includes a number of new features and changes that were incorporated in response to suggestions and requests made by professors, students, and professionals using the first edition of the book. The major features include: A new comprehensive chapter on matrix algebra A new chapter on beams and frames New sections on axisymmetric elements and formulations A new section onp-method andh-method A new section on unsteady heat transfer A new chapter on dynamic problems A new chapter on design and material selection Two new appendices with properties of area shapes and properties of structural steel shapes A new appendix with examples of batch files A web site to offer additional information for instructors and students Moreover, a large number of problems have been added, and the property tables have been expanded. I hope you enjoy the second edition. There are many good textbooks already in existence that cover the theory of finite element methods for advanced students. However, none of these books incorporate ANSYS as an integral part of their materials to introduce finite element modeling to undergraduate students and newcomers. In recent years, the use of finite element analysis as a design tool has grown rapidly. Easy-to-use, comprehensive packages such as ANSYS, a general-purpose finite element computer program, have become common tools in the hands of design engineers. Unfortunately, many engineers who lack the proper training or understanding of the underlying concepts have been using these tools. This introductory book is written to assist engineering students and practicing engineers new to the field of finite element modeling to gain a clear understanding of the basic concepts. The text offers insight into the theoretical aspects of finite element analysis and also covers some practical aspects of modeling. Great care has been exercised to avoid overwhelming students with theory, yet enough theoretical background is offered to allow individuals to use ANSYS intelligently and effectively. ANSYS is an integral part of this text. In each chapter, the relevant basic theory is discussed first and demonstrated using simple problems with hand calculations. These problems are followed by examples that are solved using ANSYS. Exercises in the text are also presented in this manner. Some exercises require manual calculations, while others, more complex in nature, require the use of ANSYS. The simpler hand-calculation problems will enhance students' understanding of the concepts by encouraging them to go through the necessary steps in a finite element analysis. Design problems are also included at the end of Chapters 3, 4, 6, and 9 through 14. Various sources of error that can contribute to incorrect results are discussed. A good engineer must always find ways to check the results. While experimental testing of models may be the best way, such testing may be expensive or time consuming. Therefore, whenever possible, throughout this text emphasis is placed on doing a "sanity check" to verify one's finite element analysis (FEA). A section at the end of each appropriate chapter is devoted to possible approaches for verifying ANSYS results. Another unique feature of this book is that the last two chapters are devoted to the introduction of design, material selection, optimization, and parametric programming with ANSYS. The book is organized into 15 chapters. Chapter 1 reviews basic ideas in finite element analysis. Common formulations, such as direct, potential energy, and weighted residual methods are discussed. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive review of matrix algebra. Chapter 3 deals with the analysis of trusses, because trusses offer economical solutions to many engineering structural problems. An overview of the ANSYS