Finite element methods. A practical guide (Q511104)

The book gives a systematic introduction into the finite element method and their application to solve ordinary and partial differential equations approximately. In Chapter 1, a short explanation of the basic idea and the features of the finite element method is given. Chapters 2--6 are devoted to ordinary differential equations and Chapters 7--13 to partial differential equations. In Chapter 2, the basic steps of a finite element discretization (derivation of the weak formulation, definition of the basis functions, computation of the system of algebraic finite element equations) are explained by means of the model problem \(-u^{\prime\prime}(x) = 2\), \(x\in (0,1)\), with Dirichlet boundary conditions. In Chapter 3, the solution of general linear second-order boundary value problems by means of the finite element method with piecewise linear functions is discussed. Chapter 4 is devoted to the application of higher-order basis functions. The subject of Chapter 5 are nonlinear boundary value problems. In Chapter 6, the solution of systems of coupled ordinary differential equations is described. In the Chapters 7 and 8, the application of the finite element method with piecewise linear basis functions is explained for a model problem and a general elliptic second-order boundary value problem in a two-dimensional domain. In Chapters 9 and 10, the application of quadrilateral elements and higher-order elements is described. In Chapter 11, nonlinear partial differential equations are considered. Chapter 12 contains a brief discussion of the solution of systems of elliptic equations. The last chapter gives a short insight into the solution of parabolic differential equations. In Appendix A, direct and iterative methods for solving the systems of linear and nonlinear finite element equations are explained. Appendix B gives a summary of the vector calculus. Each chapter contains a Matlab code for the implementation of the discussed subject. Additionally, chapter exercises are given at the end of each chapter.