Civil / PE Exam

The Finite Element Method Course Syllabus

Back to List

1. Course Overview

  • Introductory concepts in discretization techniques for solving Civil Engineering problems
  • The finite element method including derivation of element and global force-displacement equations employing both the variational and direct stiffness methods
  • Criteria for selection of approximating functions, available finite elements, general constitutive relations, substructure analysis and constraint equations, numerical methods of solution
  • Finite element applications to structural, geotechnical, and hydraulic engineering analysis

2. Textbooks (latest editions recommended)

  • Logan, D. L. A First Course in the Finite Element Method
  • Fish, J. and Belytschko, T. A First Course in the Finite Elements
  • Zienkiewicz, O. C. and Taylor, R. L. and Zhu, J. Z. The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals