This textbook presents finite element methods using exclusively
one-dimensional elements. It presents the complex methodology in an
easily understandable but mathematically correct fashion. The approach
of one-dimensional elements enables the reader to focus on the
understanding of the principles of basic and advanced mechanical
problems. The reader will easily understand the assumptions and
limitations of mechanical modeling as well as the underlying physics
without struggling with complex mathematics. Although the description is
easy, it remains scientifically correct.
The approach using only one-dimensional elements covers not only
standard problems but allows also for advanced topics such as plasticity
or the mechanics of composite materials. Many examples illustrate the
concepts and problems at the end of every chapter help to familiarize
with the topics. Each chapter also includes a few exercise problems,
with short answers provided at the end of the book.
The second edition appears with a complete revision of all figures. It
also presents a complete new chapter special elements and added the
thermal conduction into the analysis of rod elements. The principle of
virtual work has also been introduced for the derivation of the
finite-element principal equation.