Advanced Mechanics of Materials and Applied Elasticity, 6th Edition

Chapter 7. Numerical Methods

7.1 Introduction

This chapter is subdivided into two parts. The finite difference method is treated briefly first. Then, the most commonly employed numerical technique, the finite element method, is discussed. We will apply both of these approaches to the solution of problems in elasticity and the mechanics of materials. The use of these numerical methods enables the engineer to expand his or her ability to solve practical design problems. The engineer may now treat real shapes as distinct from the somewhat limited variety of shapes amenable to simple analytic solution. Similarly, the engineer no longer needs to force a complex loading system to fit a more regular load configuration so as to conform to the dictates ...