This book is intended as a study aid for the finite element method. Based on the free computer algebra system Maxima, we offer routines to symbolically or numerically solve problems from the context of two-dimensional problems. For this rather advanced topic, classical 'hand calculations' are difficult to perform and the incorporation of a computer algebra system is a convenient approach to handle, for example, larger matrix operations. The mechanical theories focus on the classical two-dimensional structural elements, i.e., plane elements, thin or classical plates, and thick or shear deformable plate elements. The use of a computer algebra system and the incorporated functions, e.g., for matrix operations, allows to focus more on the methodology of the finite element method and not on standard procedures. Furthermore, we offer a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate the model definition. Thus, the user may enter the required definitions in a source code manner directly in wxMaxima or use the GUI which is able to execute wxMaxime to perform the calculations.

This study aid on numerical optimization techniques is intended for university undergraduate and postgraduate mechanical engineering students. Optimization procedures are becoming more and more important for lightweight design, where weight reduction can, for example in the case of automotive or aerospace industry, lead to lower fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in operational costs as well as beneficial effects on the environment. Based on the free computer algebra system Maxima, the authors present procedures for numerically solving problems in engineering mathematics as well as applications taken from traditional courses on the strength of materials. The mechanical theories focus on the typical one-dimensional structural elements, i.e., springs, bars, and Euler-Bernoulli beams, in order to reduce the complexity of the numerical framework and limit the resulting design to a low number of variables. The use of a computer algebra system and the incorporated functions, e.g., for derivatives or equation solving, allows a greater focus on the methodology of the optimization methods and not on standard procedures. The book also provides numerous examples, including some that can be solved using a graphical approach to help readers gain a better understanding of the computer implementation.

This book is intended as a study aid for the finite element method. Based on the free computer algebra system Maxima, we offer routines to symbolically or numerically solve problems from the context of two-dimensional problems. For this rather advanced topic, classical 'hand calculations' are difficult to perform and the incorporation of a computer algebra system is a convenient approach to handle, for example, larger matrix operations. The mechanical theories focus on the classical two-dimensional structural elements, i.e., plane elements, thin or classical plates, and thick or shear deformable plate elements. The use of a computer algebra system and the incorporated functions, e.g., for matrix operations, allows to focus more on the methodology of the finite element method and not on standard procedures. Furthermore, we offer a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate the model definition. Thus, the user may enter the required definitions in a source code manner directly in wxMaxima or use the GUI which is able to execute wxMaxime to perform the calculations.

This study aid on numerical optimization techniques is intended for university undergraduate and postgraduate mechanical engineering students. Optimization procedures are becoming more and more important for lightweight design, where weight reduction can, for example in the case of automotive or aerospace industry, lead to lower fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in operational costs as well as beneficial effects on the environment. Based on the free computer algebra system Maxima, the authors present procedures for numerically solving problems in engineering mathematics as well as applications taken from traditional courses on the strength of materials. The mechanical theories focus on the typical one-dimensional structural elements, i.e., springs, bars, and Euler-Bernoulli beams, in order to reduce the complexity of the numerical framework and limit the resulting design to a low number of variables. The use of a computer algebra system and the incorporated functions, e.g., for derivatives or equation solving, allows a greater focus on the methodology of the optimization methods and not on standard procedures. The book also provides numerous examples, including some that can be solved using a graphical approach to help readers gain a better understanding of the computer implementation.

Diese Studienhilfe zu numerischen Optimierungsverfahren richtet sich an Studierende des Maschinenbaus im Grundstudium und im Hauptstudium. Optimierungsverfahren gewinnen zunehmend an Bedeutung fur den Leichtbau, wo eine Gewichtsreduzierung z.B. im Automobilbau oder in der Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie zu einem geringeren Kraftstoffverbrauch und einer entsprechenden Senkung der Betriebskosten sowie zu positiven Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt fuhren kann. Basierend auf dem freien Computeralgebrasystem Maxima stellen die Autoren Verfahren zur numerischen Loesung ingenieurmathematischer Probleme sowie Anwendungen aus traditionellen Lehrveranstaltungen zur Festigkeit von Werkstoffen vor. Die mechanischen Theorien konzentrieren sich auf die typischen eindimensionalen Strukturelemente, d.h. Federn, Stabe und Euler-Bernoulli-Balken, um die Komplexitat des numerischen Rahmens zu reduzieren und den resultierenden Entwurf auf eine geringe Anzahl von Variablen zu beschranken. Die Verwendung eines Computeralgebrasystems und der darin enthaltenen Funktionen, z. B. fur Ableitungen oder Gleichungsloesungen, ermoeglicht eine starkere Konzentration auf die Methodik der Optimierungsverfahren und nicht auf Standardverfahren. Das Buch enthalt auch zahlreiche Beispiele, darunter einige, die mit Hilfe eines grafischen Ansatzes geloest werden koennen, um dem Leser ein besseres Verstandnis der Computerimplementierung zu vermitteln.

This book is intended as an essential study aid for the finite element method. Based on the free computer algebra system Maxima, the authors offer routines for symbolically or numerically solving problems in the context of plane truss and frame structures, allowing readers to check classical 'hand calculations' on the one hand and to understand the computer implementation of the method on the other. The mechanical theories focus on the classical one-dimensional structural elements, i.e. bars, Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams, and their combination to generalized beam elements. Focusing on one-dimensional elements reduces the complexity of the mathematical framework, and the resulting matrix equations can be displayed with all components and not merely in the form of a symbolic representation. In addition, the use of a computer algebra system and the incorporated functions, e.g. for equation solving, allows readers to focus more on the methodology of the finite element method and not on standard procedures.