1. Lesson 1- Introduction and overview
Introductory Finite Elements

2. The beginning Overview What to expect What you want
The course will cover:
1-D, 2-D, and 3-D Elements
Mesh generation
Shape functions
Assembly
Free computer codes (source and executable)
Hands-on exercises

3. What is the Finite Element Method?
The “FEM” is a numerical procedure that employs integration and assembly over a “local” region (element)
The FEM permits discretization of any shaped domain without global transformation (x,y) – (x’,y’)
Various shaped “local” elements can be employed
Global orthogonality not required of mesh

4. Textbook
The Finite Element Method: Basic Fundamentals and Applications by D. W. Pepper and J. C. Heinrich, Taylor & Francis Pub., 2nd Ed.

5. What to expect An introduction to the basics of the FEM
An appreciation for the versatility of the FEM
The FEM is a “tool” for you to use in numerically solving ODE/PDEs
A lot of information/jargon concerning the FEM
A group of computer codes useful for instructional problems
More than you may want
Enough information for you to apply the FEM to your problems of interest
Not a panacea for every class of problems

6. What you want A “simple” method that is “simple” to use
An understanding of commercial FEM codes
Which commercial code to buy
A “black box” set of codes that will always work
The ability to solve large 2-D and 3-D problems on PCs
An inexpensive numerical code
A means to eventually get to adapting meshes and parallel processing