ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the methodology that is required for building a finite-element formulation that would be used to solve engineering problems. It discusses the trade-offs and the considerations that must be made as the development process proceeds. The chapter explores parameters such as element type, element size, aspect ratio, and matrix inversion strategies were among the criteria. It illustrates the reference to a commercially available finite-element code, called MARC. The finite-difference techniques were used by scientists to solve the differential equations that resulted from the application of physical principles of continuum mechanics to engineering problems. Because of the limitations of the vectorial techniques, it is important that energy techniques be examined to determine whether the limitations of finite-difference Techniques can be overcome. Similarly, many plate, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional elements are contained within a good finite-element code. The chapter explores problems that are contained the users to finite-element simulations by solving problems for which an exact solution is known.
