Finite Elements

This is a thoroughly revised version of the successful first edition. In addition to up-dating the existing text, the author has added new material that will prove useful for research or application of the finite element method. The most important application of finite elements is the numerical solution of elliptic partial differential equations. The author gives a thorough coverage of this subject and includes aspects such as saddle point problems which require a more in-depth mathematical treatment. This is a book for graduate students who do not necessarily have any particular background in differential equations, but require an introduction to finite element methods. Specifically, the chapter on finite elements in solid mechanics provides a bridge between mathematics and engineering.