A First Course in Finite Elements (Paperback)

~ Jacob Fish (Author), Ted Belytschko (Author)
Key Phrases: boundary flux matrix, body force matrix, element displacement matrix, Model Tree, John Wiley, First Course (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Recommended for upper division undergraduates and above." (CHOICE, February 2008)

Product Description

Developed from the authors, combined total of 50 years undergraduate and graduate teaching experience, this book presents the finite element method formulated as a general-purpose numerical procedure for solving engineering problems governed by partial differential equations. 

Focusing on the formulation and application of the finite element method through the integration of finite element theory, code development, and software application, the book is both introductory and self-contained, as well as being a hands-on experience for any student.

This authoritative text on Finite Elements:

• Adopts a generic approach to the subject, and is not application specific
• In conjunction with a web-based chapter, it integrates code development, theory, and application in one book
• Provides an accompanying Web site that includes ABAQUS Student Edition, Matlab data and programs, and instructor resources
• Contains a comprehensive set of homework problems at the end of each chapter
• Produces a practical, meaningful course for both lecturers, planning a finite element module, and for students using the text in private study.
• Accompanied by a book companion website housing supplementary material that can be found at http://www.wileyeurope.com/college/Fish

A First Course in Finite Elements is the ideal practical introductory course for junior and senior undergraduate students from a variety of science and engineering disciplines.  The accompanying advanced topics at the end of each chapter also make it suitable for courses at graduate level, as well as for practitioners who need to attain or refresh their knowledge of finite elements through private study.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (June 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470035803
• ISBN-13: 978-0470035801
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #299,591 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of "A First Course in Finite Elements", July 31, 2008

By	Tarek I. Zohdi - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found the book "A First Course in Finite Elements" very clearly
written and pedagogically sound. It has a very nice blend of theory and implementation of the finite element method written by two
leaders (J. Fish and T. Belytschko) in the field. It provides a
lucid and logical introduction to
(1) Direct approaches for discrete systems,
(2) Strong and weak forms for 1-D problems,
(3) Quadrature,
(4) FE formulation,
(5) Strong and weak forms for multidimensional scalar field problems,
(6) Approximations of trial solutions, weight functions,
(7) FE approximations for vector field equations and
(8) FE formulations for beams. The text is an excellent reference, that
will be added to the course syllabuses this year for both a senior
undergraduate Finite Element class and a first year graduate class that
I teach at UC Berkeley. The book provides a clear and concise introduction
and very well-thought-out overview, to this very large field, and I strongly recommend it to students and instructors that are looking for a modern introductory Finite Element textbook.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book...but..., May 9, 2009

By	Mel Bernstein (Miami) - See all my reviews

This is a great book for introductory finite elements. All the basic and fundamental stuff is there. Too bad, though, that it's an almost word for word copy of the book by Ottosen and Petersson (1992!). And, as is often the case, the original is just that little bit better - so minus one star.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent first course on the finite element analysis, August 1, 2008

By	Vladimir Belsky - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is intended as an introductory course on the finite element analysis for undergraduate and graduate students. It is written very clearly, so the material could be comprehended by the target audience. At the same time one of the chapters of the book is dedicated to the commercial finite element program, allowing students to understand how finite element method could be used for solving real life engineering problems. Student version of Abaqus is included in the book, which allows students to experience the entire process from creating a model to viewing and analyzing the results.