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