ME 551 Finite Element Analysis (3 cr.)
Prerequisites:	Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Textbooks:	J.N. Reddy, An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006.
Description:	Concepts of finite elements methods; formulations for different engineering problems and their applications. Variational methods, the finite element concept, and applications in stress analysis, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
Goals:	To teach students the finite element method and to convey the basic ideas on which the method is founded. The basic principles of the method with applications in several areas are presented in a unified manner so that the students with diverse backgrounds can later apply the method to problems of their individual interests. A multi-physics finite element code, ANSYS is used for applications.
Outcomes:
Topics:	1. Variational formulation of boundary and initial boundary value problems (4 classes) 2. Finite element formulation and analysis of one-dimensional problems (8 classes) 3. Computer implementation of the finite element method (3 classes) 4. Finite element formulation and analysis of two-dimensional problems with single and multi-variables (10 classes) 5. Computer applications using the finite element computer program ANSYS (3 classes) Note: one class = 75 minutes