In modern engineering analysis it is rare to find a project that does not require some type of finite element analysis (FEA) and error estimation is the key to automating the adaptation of the FEA process. This key textbook delivers a complete introduction to finite element methods and to automatic adaptation, enabling students to understand and use FEA as a true engineering tool. In addition to basic finite element theory, the book covers error estimation processes and associated computational procedures.

Key features:

• A complete course textbook, supported by a primer chapter on mathematical preliminaries including functional analysis
• Specifically developed to be accessible to non-mathematics students
• Delivers a clear understanding of the theory and limitations of automatic adaptation based on error analysis
• Ideal for users of ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN, MARC and other FEM software
• Includes detailed example applications in linear heat transfer, stress analysis and other fields
• Online support material, including a finite element library of Fortran 95 source programs, application and data files, plus an extensive suite of MATLAB plotting scripts
• Includes homework exercises, with separate online instructor solutions manual