ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book began with an intuitive approach to the finite element method via interpolation over a triangle. It focuses on solid mechanics, especially the mechanics of geological media, rocks, and soils. The book considers porous media and introduces fluid flow and the key concept of effective stress. It provides a review of fundamental concepts. Use of the divergence theorem as a principle of virtual work leads to element equilibrium of a linearly elastic body in the form of element stiffness equations. Numerical forms for element strains and stresses follow. Global equilibrium considering all elements in a mesh follows logically from addition of element forces. The book also introduces equation solving by elimination and iteration. It describes the advantages of Gauss elimination and Gauss– Seidel iteration with over-relaxation within the concept of bandwidth and computer capacity.
