This book is an essential tool written to be used as the primary text for an undergraduate or early postgraduate course as well as a reference book for engineers and scientists who want to quickly develop finite-element programs. Regarding the formulation of the finite element method, the book emphasizes the essential unity of all processes of approximation used in the solution of differential equations such as finite differences, finite elements and boundary elements. Computational aspects are presented in Maple. Three Maple packages were specially developed for this book and are included in a companion CD-ROM.
System requirements: PC, Pentium 90 MHz (or better), Windows 95/98/2000, 16 MB RAM for Windows 95/98 (32 MB recommended), 32 MB RAM for Windows 2000 (64 MB recommended), 60 MB free hard drive space, 8-bit graphics adaptor and display to support 256 simultaneous colours at a 640x480 resolution, 24-bit colour at 800x600 (or greater resolution recommended)

Introduces a new, more systematic approach to Finite Element Analysis using Symbolic Computation

From the contents:
- Introduction to Maple
- Computational Mechanics
- Approximation Methods
- Interpolation
- The Finite Element Method
- Fluid Mechanics Applications
- Solid Mechanics Applications

This text provides the reader with a unique insight into the finite element method, along with symbolic programing that fundamentally changes the way applications can be developed. It is an essential tool for undergraduate or early postgraduate courses as well as an excellent reference book for engineers and scientists who want to quickly develop finite-element programs. The use of symbolic computation in Maple system delivers new benefits in the analysis and understanding of the finite element method. The book features a CD-ROM containing Maple listings of FE programs. Providing the user with a unique insight into the finite element method, along with symbolic programming that fundamentally changes the way applications can be developed, this book is an essential tool for undergraduate or early postgraduate course, as well as a reference book for engineers and scientists who want to develop quickly finite-element programs. The use of symbolic computation in Maple system delivers new benefits in the analysis and understanding of The finite element method.