ME 450 Finite Element Analysis

The finite element method is a numerical procedure for solving problems in continuum mechanics with an accuracy acceptable to engineers. Problems in stress analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, electric fields, and other areas can be solved by finite element analysis. This course emphasizes stress analysis and structural mechanics although problems from other fields mentioned above may be treated throughout the course. Topics include one- and two-dimensional finite elements, beam and frame finite elements, variational principles, the Galerkin approximation, and partial differentiation equations. Selected topics in finite element analysis including initial value problems, eigenvalue problems, three-dimensional finite elements, and element continuity will be treated. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in both ME 264 and EGR 240.

3 credit hours