Finite Element Modeling in Structural Mechanics provides a systematic and progressive introduction to finite element modeling in structural mechanics. Rather than presenting finite element formulations as a collection of model-specific procedures, the book adopts a unified energy-based approach in which the governing finite element equations are derived consistently from the underlying structural theories.
Beginning with the fundamental concepts of discretization, interpolation, and energy principles, the presentation progresses from classical Bernoulli beam theory to Timoshenko and higher-order Reddy beam theories, and subsequently to two-dimensional Kirchhoff, Mindlin, and Reddy plate formulations. This progressive structure allows readers to understand how increasingly refined structural theories translate into finite element models and how their assumptions affect the resulting formulation and numerical response.
The treatment is not limited to simplified elements introduced solely for educational purposes. Alongside fundamental formulations developed step by step, the book presents computationally relevant plate elements widely used in practical finite element analysis, including the Discrete Kirchhoff Triangle (DKT) and the Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Components four-node element (MITC4). In this way, the reader progresses from the basic principles of finite element construction to formulations representative of those encountered in professional finite element software.
A distinctive feature of the book is the close integration of theory and computation. Step-by-step examples developed in Excel®, Mathematica®, and MATLAB® accompany the theoretical developments, enabling readers to examine the complete implementation process and explore the influence of geometry, material properties, boundary conditions, loading, discretization, and modeling assumptions. Particular attention is also devoted to computational aspects that are essential for developing reliable finite element codes but are often treated only briefly in introductory texts.
Intended for graduate students, PhD candidates, researchers, and practicing engineers, the book provides both the theoretical foundations and the computational tools required not only to use finite element formulations, but also to understand, implement, verify, and extend them for advanced structural analysis.