ABSTRACT
In essence, the finite element method is a numerical technique that provides approximate solutions to the governing equations of a complicated system through a discretisation process. The system of interest can be either physical or mathematical. The domain of the system can be well defined or subject to continual changes (moving boundary problems such as transient-free surface water flow, large deformation problems, etc.). The boundary conditions can be well defined in terms of prescribed loads and displacements, or sometimes less well defined as in fluid-structure interactions or contact problems. The governing equations can be given in differential form or be expressed in terms of variation integrals.
