Generating a quality finite element mesh is difficult and often very time-consuming. Mesh-free methods operations can also be complicated and quite costly in terms of computational effort and resources. Developed by the authors and their colleagues, the smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) only requires a triangular/tetrahedral mesh to achieve mo

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.

Extended Finite Element and Meshfree Methods provides an overview of, and investigates, recent developments in extended finite elements with a focus on applications to material failure in statics and dynamics. This class of methods is ideally suited for applications, such as crack propagation, two-phase flow, fluid-structure-interaction, optimization and inverse analysis because they do not require any remeshing. These methods include the original extended finite element method, smoothed extended finite element method (XFEM), phantom node method, extended meshfree methods, numerical manifold method and extended isogeometric analysis. This book also addresses their implementation and provides small MATLAB codes on each sub-topic. Also discussed are the challenges and efficient algorithms for tracking the crack path which plays an important role for complex engineering applications. - Explains all the important theory behind XFEM and meshfree methods - Provides advice on how to implement XFEM for a range of practical purposes, along with helpful MATLAB codes - Draws on the latest research to explore new topics, such as the applications of XFEM to shell formulations, and extended meshfree and extended isogeometric methods - Introduces alternative modeling methods to help readers decide what is most appropriate for their work

The Finite Element Method (FEM) has become an indispensable technology for the modelling and simulation of engineering systems. Written for engineers and students alike, the aim of the book is to provide the necessary theories and techniques of the FEM for readers to be able to use a commercial FEM package to solve primarily linear problems in mechanical and civil engineering with the main focus on structural mechanics and heat transfer.Fundamental theories are introduced in a straightforward way, and state-of-the-art techniques for designing and analyzing engineering systems, including microstructural systems are explained in detail. Case studies are used to demonstrate these theories, methods, techniques and practical applications, and numerous diagrams and tables are used throughout.The case studies and examples use the commercial software package ABAQUS, but the techniques explained are equally applicable for readers using other applications including NASTRAN, ANSYS, MARC, etc. - A practical and accessible guide to this complex, yet important subject - Covers modeling techniques that predict how components will operate and tolerate loads, stresses and strains in reality

This textbook offers theoretical and practical knowledge of the finite element method. The book equips readers with the skills required to analyze engineering problems using ANSYS®, a commercially available FEA program. Revised and updated, this new edition presents the most current ANSYS® commands and ANSYS® screen shots, as well as modeling steps for each example problem. This self-contained, introductory text minimizes the need for additional reference material by covering both the fundamental topics in finite element methods and advanced topics concerning modeling and analysis. It focuses on the use of ANSYS® through both the Graphics User Interface (GUI) and the ANSYS® Parametric Design Language (APDL). Extensive examples from a range of engineering disciplines are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step fashion. Key topics include: • An introduction to FEM • Fundamentals and analysis capabilities of ANSYS® • Fundamentals of discretization and approximation functions • Modeling techniques and mesh generation in ANSYS® • Weighted residuals and minimum potential energy • Development of macro files • Linear structural analysis • Heat transfer and moisture diffusion • Nonlinear structural problems • Advanced subjects such as submodeling, substructuring, interaction with external files, and modification of ANSYS®-GUI Electronic supplementary material for using ANSYS® can be found at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4899-7550-8. This convenient online feature, which includes color figures, screen shots and input files for sample problems, allows for regeneration on the reader’s own computer. Students, researchers, and practitioners alike will find this an essential guide to predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems."

Research on non-standard finite element methods is evolving rapidly and in this text Brezzi and Fortin give a general framework in which the development is taking place. The presentation is built around a few classic examples: Dirichlet's problem, Stokes problem, Linear elasticity. The authors provide with this publication an analysis of the methods in order to understand their properties as thoroughly as possible.

This is the first-ever book on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and its variations, covering the theoretical background, numerical techniques, code implementation issues, and many novel and interesting applications. It contains many appealing and practical examples, including free surface flows, high explosive detonation and explosion, underwater explosion and water mitigation of explosive shocks, high velocity impact and penetration, and multiple scale simulations coupled with the molecular dynamics method. An SPH source code is provided and coupling of SPH and molecular dynamics is discussed for multiscale simulation, making this a friendly book for readers and SPH users.

As we attempt to solve engineering problems of ever increasing complexity, so must we develop and learn new methods for doing so. The Finite Difference Method used for centuries eventually gave way to Finite Element Methods (FEM), which better met the demands for flexibility, effectiveness, and accuracy in problems involving complex geometry. Now,

This book presents theories and the main useful techniques of the Finite Element Method (FEM), with an introduction to FEM and many case studies of its use in engineering practice. It supports engineers and students to solve primarily linear problems in mechanical engineering, with a main focus on static and dynamic structural problems. Readers of this text are encouraged to discover the proper relationship between theory and practice, within the finite element method: Practice without theory is blind, but theory without practice is sterile. Beginning with elasticity basic concepts and the classical theories of stressed materials, the work goes on to apply the relationship between forces, displacements, stresses and strains on the process of modeling, simulating and designing engineered technical systems. Chapters discuss the finite element equations for static, eigenvalue analysis, as well as transient analyses. Students and practitioners using commercial FEM software will find this book very helpful. It uses straightforward examples to demonstrate a complete and detailed finite element procedure, emphasizing the differences between exact and numerical procedures.

This textbook demonstrates the application of the finite element philosophy to the solution of real-world problems and is aimed at graduate level students, but is also suitable for advanced undergraduate students. An essential part of an engineer’s training is the development of the skills necessary to analyse and predict the behaviour of engineering systems under a wide range of potentially complex loading conditions. Only a small proportion of real-life problems can be solved analytically, and consequently, there arises the need to be able to use numerical methods capable of simulating real phenomena accurately. The finite element (FE) method is one such widely used numerical method. Finite Element Applications begins with demystifying the ‘black box’ of finite element solvers and progresses to addressing the different pillars that make up a robust finite element solution framework. These pillars include: domain creation, mesh generation and element formulations, boundary conditions, and material response considerations. Readers of this book will be equipped with the ability to develop models of real-world problems using industry-standard finite element packages.