ABSTRACT
The finite-element method is a numerical formulation that divides the continuous structure into a number of discrete elements, where it is required that the displacements at the meeting points of the elements be compatible, and the internal forces at these points be in equilibrium. The procedure expresses the displacements at any arbitrary interior point of the element in terms of a finite number of displacements at the nodes of the element. Finite elements are typically one-, two-or three-dimensional, and examples are shown in Figure 5.1.
