ABSTRACT
Real-life systems and structures, such as civil structures, bridges, piping systems, etc., are continuous systems. The mathematical modeling using the standard differential equations based on theory may be complicated for such systems, and their solution would be even more complex. However, the mathematical models are important for several requirements, which include design, impact of design modification, vibration behavior, etc. Any small change in the system may require complete new formulation all over again using the standard differential equations based on the elasticity theories (Fenner, 1986). Considering these difficulties, nowadays the finite element (FE) modeling method is most popular, well accepted, and useful to meet the requirements perhaps in a much simpler than the earlier approach. The simplified concept of the FE method is presented in this chapter through a few simple examples to aid understanding and visualizing of FE modeling and analysis either through in-house developed computational code or through any commercially available FE codes. The well-known textbooks by Zienkiewicz and Taylor (1994) and Cook et al. (1989) can be referred to for further details of the FE method and modeling if needed.
