Finite Element Mathematics

[jpcqub]

Hi all,

I’ve been using software for the generation and solution of electromagnetic finite element models for a while now. Since the software is in the form of a very handy user interface I was never really bothered as to how the ‘black box’ actually worked. I’m now interested in the mathematics behind finite elements. I’ve taken a look at a few books like ‘finite elements for electrical engineers’ by P.P.Silvester however in all of these books the mathematics goes well over my head. I’d be interested to speak to anyone on here who may be able to help me break the mathematics up for me, or recommend a ‘finite element for dummies’ book!!!

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

[nrg3025]

Try this link for a brief tutorial:

http://www.u-aizu.ac.jp/~niki/feminstr/feminstr.html

It involves a lot of mathematics, but it is hard to avoid them when dealing with FEM.
If you are working with electromagnetic problems, you might find the book "Numerical Modelling of Electrical Machines and Devices" (by K. Hameyer and R.Belmans, WIT press 1999) much easier to understand than the Silvester book. It also contains a lot of practical applications
You can also find some other online books in

http://www.devdept.com/fem/books.php

 

[jpcqub]

Thanks nrg3025. I'll get a look at the web links later on today as well as that book hopefully.

Thanks again.