This revision and work book offers a very specific concept for learning the finite element method applying it to problems from statics of: It skips all the classical derivations and focusses only the essential final results. Based on these `essentials', fully solved example problems are presented. To facilitate the initial learning process, the authors compiled 10 recommended steps for a linear finite element solution procedure (`hand calculation') and all the solved examples follow this simple scheme. These 10 recommended steps help engineering students to master the finite element method and guide through fundamental standard problems, although there are neither 10 recommended steps for real-life engineering problems nor 10 standard problems that cover all possible problems that a young engineer may face during his first years of professional work. This revision course accompanies the textbook "Computational Statics and Dynamics: An Introduction Based on the Finite Element Method" by the same authors.

This book offers an in-depth insight into the general-purpose finite element program MSC Marc, which is distributed by MSC Software Corporation. It is a specialized program for nonlinear problems (implicit solver) which is common in academia and industry. The primary goal of this book is to provide a comprehensive introduction to a special feature of this software: the user can write user-subroutines in the programming language Fortran, which is the language of all classical finite element packages. This subroutine feature allows the user to replace certain modules of the core code and to implement new features such as constitutive laws or new elements. Thus, the functionality of commercial codes ('black box') can easily be extended by linking user written code to the main core of the program. This feature allows to take advantage of a commercial software package with the flexibility of a 'semi-open' code.

This book presents an introduction to the design and manufacture of fibre-reinforced composites. The mechanical properties of unidirectional composites are considered in a structural design context. The use of woven and random fibres is also addressed. The accuracy of design estimates for unidirectional composites is benchmarked against test data, and the relevance of a factor of safety (FoS) is established. The importance of prototype testing is emphasised. This book illustrates how to make a fibre-reinforced composite. Wet layup, vacuum bagging and prepreg moulding are covered in detail. Some guidance on mould design and construction is also provided. Finally, an introduction to the manufacture of composite tubes is presented. Wherever possible, design and make examples are used to illustrate the content. Tutorial questions and problems are included at the end of each chapter. The reader is encouraged to use these questions and problems to assess their own level of understanding of the content.

This book presents an introduction to the design and manufacture of fibre-reinforced composites. The mechanical properties of unidirectional composites are considered in a structural design context. The use of woven and random fibres is also addressed. The accuracy of design estimates for unidirectional composites is benchmarked against test data, and the relevance of a factor of safety (FoS) is established. The importance of prototype testing is emphasised. This book illustrates how to make a fibre-reinforced composite. Wet layup, vacuum bagging and prepreg moulding are covered in detail. Some guidance on mould design and construction is also provided. Finally, an introduction to the manufacture of composite tubes is presented. Wherever possible, design and make examples are used to illustrate the content. Tutorial questions and problems are included at the end of each chapter. The reader is encouraged to use these questions and problems to assess their own level of understanding of the content.

This revision and work book offers a very specific concept for learning the finite element method applying it to problems from statics of: It skips all the classical derivations and focusses only the essential final results. Based on these `essentials', fully solved example problems are presented. To facilitate the initial learning process, the authors compiled 10 recommended steps for a linear finite element solution procedure (`hand calculation') and all the solved examples follow this simple scheme. These 10 recommended steps help engineering students to master the finite element method and guide through fundamental standard problems, although there are neither 10 recommended steps for real-life engineering problems nor 10 standard problems that cover all possible problems that a young engineer may face during his first years of professional work. This revision course accompanies the textbook "Computational Statics and Dynamics: An Introduction Based on the Finite Element Method" by the same authors.

This book offers an in-depth insight into the general-purpose finite element program MSC Marc, which is distributed by MSC Software Corporation. It is a specialized program for nonlinear problems (implicit solver) which is common in academia and industry. The primary goal of this book is to provide a comprehensive introduction to a special feature of this software: the user can write user-subroutines in the programming language Fortran, which is the language of all classical finite element packages. This subroutine feature allows the user to replace certain modules of the core code and to implement new features such as constitutive laws or new elements. Thus, the functionality of commercial codes ('black box') can easily be extended by linking user written code to the main core of the program. This feature allows to take advantage of a commercial software package with the flexibility of a 'semi-open' code.