ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the steady-state finite element analysis of problems involving scalar primary dependent variables. Although the physical nature of such problems is rather diverse, the solution techniques used are quite similar. An interesting observation of scalar field problems is that they apply to many branches of engineering and physics. One of the most commonly studied scalar field problems is that of heat transfer by convection and conduction. Beginning in the mid-sixties, this problem was analyzed using the finite element method. One of the most commonly studied scalar field problems is that of heat transfer by convection and conduction. Beginning in the mid-sixties, this problem was analyzed using the finite element method. The chapter also focuses on the specific problem of torsion of straight, prismatic bars. This classical problem of the theory of elasticity has been widely used by engineers and mathematicians alike to evaluate the accuracy of approximate solution techniques.
