User:Eml4500.f08.team.guan/hw1

Purpose and the Big Picture (FEA EML4500)  The purpose of the class methodology of teaching is to allow for easy access to vast amounts of information while in the process, learn the knowledge that is being archived and presented. By using Wikiversity as a means of infomation exchange, not only can the class benefit from each other by learning from different perspectives in a synergetic approach, the entire engineering population can benefit as well. This approach is similar to the MIT open course ware. It basically provides lecture notes to the general public in a free and organized manner so that information can be shared to the masses. Throughout the semester, the class and the group will learn and develop communication skills, presentation skills, and essential reporting-writing skills. The technical goals of the course include understanding matrix algebra and how it applies the finite element method, understanding the derivation of the governing equations of the structures or systems being analyzed, developing skills that allow the student to formulate processes to obtain solutions and judge the accuracy of those solutions, and giving insight into advanced topics such as axisymmetric solid elements and nonlinear analysis. Preface and Introduction to Finite Element Analysis  The book "Fundamental Finite Element Analysis and Applications" by M. Asghar Bhatti strives to explain and teach the mechanical aspects of the finite element method and give satisfactory explanations for theoretical questions. It will answer questions like "Why are rotational degrees of freedom defined for the beam and the plate elements but not for the plane stress and truss elements?" and "What is wrong with connecting corner nodes of a planar four-node element to the midside nodes of an eight-node element?". It provides ample computational details and examples that compliment the abundant theoretical background. Essentially, it aims to teach with a "balance of theory, generality, and practical applications of the finite element method" (source: "Fundamental Finite Element Analysis and Applications" ,M. Asghar Bhatti). In addition, since the finite element method entails lots of tedious and sometimes impossible calculations by hand, the book offers extensive use of MATLAB and Mathematica to perform these calculations. What is finite element analysis? It is a "numerical technique for finding approximate solutions of partial differential equations (PDE) as well as of integral equations" (source:[]). This method has various applications varying from "heat flow, stress analysis, fluid flow, and analysis of structural frameworks" (source: "Fundamental Finite Element Analysis and Applications" ,M. Asghar Bhatti). Applications in current issues include the search for more oil. Finite element analysis can be used to locate oil reservoirs and provide a means to drill there and tap those resources. A more everlasting example of using finite element analysis would be a simulation of the weather pattern on Earth. The class will learn by understanding the fundamentals of the FEM through carefully derivation of the stiffness matrix. In the process, linear algebra techniques and concepts like matrix inversion and matrix transposes, eigenvalue problems, matrix determinants, etc. will be solidified. Also, the class will gain insight into the elements that are being assessed such as trusses, beams, aerospace structures, etc.