Introduction to Finite Element Methods

Course Outline

Finite element method is a powerful engineering analysis tool, and has been widely used in engineering since it was introduced in the 1950s. This course presents the basic theory and simple application of the finite element method (FEM) along with the common FEM terminology. The emphasis of this course is the fundamental concepts of finite element analysis. A list of major finite element software is also presented in this course along with their features and capabilities. In addition, the student will learn how to use a fininte element program to solve contiunous beam problems. This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will understand:

• the concept of Finite Element Method (FEM);
• the advantages of the FEM;
• the disadvantages of the FEM;
• the applications of the FEM;
• the concept of matrix and vector;
• the important role played by the FEM in today's engineering world;

and will be familiar with:

• the element stiffness matrix;
• the matrix operations used in the FEM;
• the different types of finite elements;
• the terminology used in the FEM;
• the global stiffness matrix assembly;
• the step-by-step procedure of the FEM; and
• a simple finite element program.

Course Content

The following link contains a portion of the lecture notes for this webinar:

Introduction to Finite Element Methods (17 pages, PDF format)

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, save or print the document for your study during the webinar.

In addition, the installation and operation of a simple finite element program will be demonstrated as a part of the student-instructor interaction. You will need to install this program and make a few test runs during the webinar.

Because this course is offered as a "live" course, you are required to attend the webinar at the scheduled time and date. Please check the Webinar Schedule under course description on our website for currently scheduled meeting date and time. We will send you an invitation to the webinar through email approximately 24 hours before the webinar (confirmation of the receipt of the invitation is required). The certificate of completion will not be issued unless you attend the webinar and pass a quiz. Thank you for your cooperation.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

Finite Element Analysis Engineering Links
Aladdin - A Computational Toolkit for the Interactive Matrix and Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis Overview
Wikipedia.org: Finite Element Method
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

Quiz

Before you attend the webinar, you need to print the quiz questions from your browser for your study during the webinar. At the end of the webinar, you need to complete the quiz and submit your answers to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.org or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.