This edition provides a simple, basic approach to the finite element method that can be understood by both undergraduate and graduate students. It does not have the usual prerequisites (such as structural analysis) required by most available texts in this area. The book is written primarily as a basic learning tool for the undergraduate student in civil and mechanical engineering whose main interest is in stress analysis and heat transfer. The text is geared toward those who want to apply the finite element method as a tool to solve practical physical problems.

1. Introduction
2. Introduction to the stiffness (displacement) method
3. Development of truss equations
4. Development of beam equations
5. Frame and grid equations
6. Development of the plane stress and plane strain stiffness equations
7. Practical considerations in modeling; interpreting results; and examples of plane stress/strain analysis
8. Development of the linear-strain triangle equations
9. Axisymmetric elements
10. Isoparametric formulation
11. Three-dimensional stress analysis
12. Plate bending element
13. Heat transfer and mass transport
14. Fluid flow
15. Thermal stress
16. Structural dynamics and time-dependent heat transfer
App. A. Matrix algebra
App. B. Methods for solution of simultaneous linear equations
App. C. Equations from elasticity theory
App. D. Equivalent nodal forces
App. E. Principle of virtual work
App. F. Properties of structural steel and aluminum shapes