ABSTRACT
For an axisymmetric structure, when its loading and constraints also have the same axial symmetric characteristic, the analysis of the structure can be simplified by considering a radial section of the structure. Axisymmetry can occur in both scalar field problems and vector field problems. Because of some major differences in scalar field and vector field problems, this chapter discusses their finite element method (FEM) formulations separately. It also examines the stress and strain relationships and develops the partial differential equations of equilibrium in cylindrical coordinates.
