Introduction to Finite and Spectral Element Methods using MATLAB

Why another book on the finite element method? There are currently more than 200 books in print with "Finite Element Method" in their titles. Many are devoted to special topics or emphasize error analysis and numerical accuracy. Others stick to the fundamentals and do little to describe the development and implementation of algorithms for solving real-world problems.

Introduction to Finite and Spectral Element Methods Using MATLAB provides a means of quickly understanding both the theoretical foundation and practical implementation of the finite element method and its companion spectral element method. Written in the form of a self-contained course, it introduces the fundamentals on a need-to-know basis and emphasizes algorithm development and computer implementation of the essential procedures.

Firmly asserting the importance of simultaneous practical experience when learning any numerical method, the author provides FSELIB: a software library of user-defined MATLAB functions and complete finite and spectral element codes. FSELIB is freely available for download from http://dehesa.freeshell.org, which is also a host for the book, providing further information, links to resources, and FSELIB updates.

The presentation is suitable for both self-study and formal course work, and its state-of-the-art review of the field make it equally valuable as a professional reference. With this book as a guide, you immediately will be able to run the codes as given and graphically display solutions to a wide variety of problems in heat transfer and solid, fluid, and structural mechanics.