User:Eml4500.f08.ateam.shah/Week 1

Week 1: Brief summary of Lectures 1-3


 * The finite element analysis method was first developed in 1943 by R. Courant. Courant modified and utilized the Ritz method of numerical analysis and variational calculus to determine an approximate solution to partial differential equations as well as integral equations. The solution is achieved by elimination the differential equation or creating several ordinary differential equations from a partial differential equation, which can then be solved using either the Euler’s method or the Runge Kutta method. The FEA method can be used in a wide variety of applications such as structural analysis, vibrational analysis, etc.


 * The Finite Element Analysis and Design class is offered at the University of Florida on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3:00 PM. The class is taught by Professor Loc Vu-Quoc.


 * The first lecture of the class was held on August 25, 2008. The lecture introduced the concept of the Finite Element Method and introduced student to the structure of the class. The class was instructed to divide into groups of 5-6. These groups acted as a single entity and represented those student efforts on HW, presentations and assignments. The class was also introduced to Wikipedia, a free website that can be used by students as a portal for posting assignments, comments, questions and problems. The students were instructed to create accounts on Wikipedia, with the following format: eml4500.f08.teamname.lastname. The accounts are created so that students would be able to communicate easily and also provide a forum to post HW assigned by the professor.


 * The following two lectures were a brief introduction into the workings of Wikipedia. The professor demonstrated the working of Wikipedia and his reason for using Wikipedia instead of university provided software such as E-learning. The professor provided a brief commentary on how to post articles and HW on the website and how to communicate with your fellow group members. MATLAB was also instructed to be one of the most important software programs to be used through out the class. The professor required a basic familiarity with MATLAB for all students. HW was assigned which included a brief tutorial on MATLAB and its uses.


 * The course website along with the syllabus were mentioned during these lectures. The syllabus listed the exam dates and the break up of the grading for the class. Strict policy rules were explicitly mentioned which provided for no make up exams and late HW.