Dimitrios Pavlou

Dimitrios Pavlou is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials
Science at the University of Stavanger in Norway. In 2014 he was elected a full member of the Norwegian
Academy of Technological Sciences. He has had twenty years of teaching and research experience in the fields
of finite elements, boundary elements, mechanics of solids, and fracture mechanics. Prof. Pavlou has published
many research publications and authored/edited five books and conference proceedings. He is a reviewer in
more than 18 international journals and has participated as a plenary speaker and session chair in many
international conferences. Today he is a Research Group Leader (Faggruppeleder) of the Mechanical
Engineering and Materials Science Group

Affiliations and Expertise

Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science, Faculty of Science and Technology,
University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway

Essentials of the Finite Element Method, 1st Edition

Dedication
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: An Overview of the Finite Element Method
o Abstract
o 1.1 What Are Finite Elements?
o 1.2 Why Finite Element Method Is Very Popular?
o 1.3 Main Advantages of Finite Element Method
o 1.4 Main Disadvantages of Finite Element Method
o 1.5 What Is Structural Matrix?
o 1.6 What Are the Steps to be Followed for Finite Element Method Analysis of Structure?
o 1.7 What About the Available Software Packages?
o 1.8 Physical Principles in the Finite Element Method
o 1.9 From the Element Equation to the Structure Equation
o 1.10 Computer-Aided Learning of the Finite Element Method
Chapter 2: Mathematical Background
o Abstract
o 2.1 Vectors
o 2.2 Coordinate Systems
o 2.3 Elements of Matrix Algebra
o 2.4 Variational Formulation of Elasticity Problems
Chapter 3: Linear Spring Elements
o Abstract
o 3.1 The Element Equation
o 3.2 The Stiffness Matrix of a System of Springs
Chapter 4: Bar Elements and Hydraulic Networks
o Abstract
o 4.1 Displacement Interpolation Functions
o 4.2 Alternative Procedure Based On the Principle of Direct Equilibrium
o 4.3 Finite Element Method Modeling of a System of Bars
o 4.4 Finite Elements Method Modeling of a Piping Network
Chapter 5: Trusses
o Abstract
o 5.1 The Element Equation for Plane Truss Members
o 5.2 The Element Equation for 3D Trusses
o 5.3 Calculation of the Bars Axial Forces (Internal Forces)
Chapter 6: Beams
o Abstract
o 6.1 Element Equation of a Two-Dimensional Beam Subjected to Nodal Forces
o 6.2 Two-Dimensional Element Equation of a Beam Subjected to a Uniform Loading
o 6.3 Two-Dimensional Element Equation of a Beam Subjected to an Arbitrary Varying
Loading
o 6.4 Two-Dimensional Element Equation of a Beam on Elastic Foundation Subjected to
Uniform Loading
o 6.5 Engineering Applications of the Element Equation of the Beam on Elastic Foundation
o 6.6 Element Equation for a Beam Subjected to Torsion
o 6.7 Two-Dimensional Element Equation For a Beam Subjected To Nodal Axial Forces,
Shear Forces, Bending Moments, and Torsional Moments
o 6.8 Three-Dimensional Element Equation for a Beam Subjected to Nodal Axial Forces,
Shear Forces, Bending Moments, and Torsional Moments
Chapter 7: Frames
o Abstract
o 7.1 Framed Structures
o 7.2 Two-Dimensional Frame Element Equation Subjected to Nodal Forces
o 7.3 Two-Dimensional Frame Element Equation Subjected to Arbitrary Varying Loading
o 7.4 Three-Dimensional Beam Element Equation Subjected to Nodal Forces
o 7.5 Distribution of Bending Moments, Shear Forces, Axial Forces, and Torsional Moments
of Each Element
Chapter 8: The Principle of Minimum Potential Energy for One-Dimensional Elements
o Abstract
o 8.1 The Basic Concept
o 8.2 Application of the MPE Principle on Systems of Spring Elements
o 8.3 Application of the MPE Principle on Systems of Bar Elements
o 8.4 Application of the MPE Principle on Trusses
o 8.5 Application of the MPE Principle on Beams
Chapter 9: From Isotropic to Orthotropic Plane Elements: Elasticity Equations for Two-
Dimensional Solids
o Abstract
o 9.1 The Generalized Hookes Law
o 9.2 From Isotropic to Orthotropic Plane Elements
o 9.3 Hookes Law of an Orthotropic Two-Dimensional Element, with Respect to the Global
Coordinate System
o 9.4 Transformation of Engineering Properties
o 9.5 Elasticity Equations for Isotropic Solids
Chapter 10: The Principle of Minimum Potential Energy for Two-Dimensional and Three-
Dimensional Elements
o Abstract
o 10.1 Interpolation and Shape Functions
o 10.2 Isoparametric Elements
o 10.3 Derivation of Stiffness Matrices
Chapter 11: Structural Dynamics
o Abstract
o 11.1 The Dynamic Equation
o 11.2 Mass Matrix
o 11.3 Solution Methodology for the Dynamic Equation
o 11.4 Free VibrationNatural Frequencies
Chapter 12: Heat Transfer
o Abstract
o 12.1 Conduction Heat Transfer
o 12.2 Convection Heat Transfer
o 12.3 Finite Element Formulation
Index