An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, J.N. Reddy, and the various numerical analysis schemes are explained.
McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, N.Y., 1984, 495 They are: (a) Newton-Cotes quadrature, and (b) Gauss-
pp., ISBN 0-07-015346-5.
This is a unique book on finite element methods (FEM) and
applications. In this book, FEM is presented to the reader as a
variational-based technique of solving differential equations.
Usually FEM is introduced to the reader via solid mechanics
approach. In the present day, FEM has been successfully
employed in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and acoustics.
FEM overcomes some of the problems associated with varia-
tional methods (Ritz and weighted residual methods) and pro-
vides systematic procedures for the derviation method of the
approximation method. First, a geometrically complex do-
main is represented as a collection of geometrical subdomains.
Over each FE, the approximation functions are derived
employing the basic concept that any continuous function can
be represented by a linear combination of algebraic
polynomials. These approximation functions are derived using
the ideas from interpolation theory. Thus, they are denoted as
interpolation functions. The values of the solutions at a finite
number of prescribed points in the boundary or interior are
called nodes. Interpolation theory is one of the important sub-
jects of this book. This volume consists of five chapters and
three computer programs.
The initial chapter introduces the subject, presents some
historical comments and explains some basic concepts.
Chapter 2 introduces the reader to the variational formulation
and approximation. Beginning with the differential equation
and its variants, this continues with boundary and initial value
problems, gradient and divergence theories. The next section
presents the variation formulation of boundary value
problems, including Poisson equation. This leads to the varia-
tional method of approximation (Ritz and weighted residuals)
and a concluding section on time-dependent problems. The
author discusses the forward difference (Eulers, Crank-
Nicholson Scheme, Galerkin method) and backward dif-
ference schemes. This is accompanied by the stability concept
and a number of illustrative examples.
The next chapter is a lengthy one. It introduces the reader to
finite element analysis of one-dimensional second-order equa-
tions and their respective problems. Opening the next chapter
is the one-dimensional second-order equation. The author
delves into the derivation and assembly of element equations,
imposition of boundary conditions and solutions of the
foregoing. This leads to the one-dimensional fourth-order
equation. We next read about the various errors introduced in-
to FE solution of a given differential equation. They
are: (a) boundary errors, (b) quadrature and finite
arithmetic errors, and (c) approximation errors. These are
further developed via illustrative examples. A short il-
luminating example explaining the time-dependent second-
order problem is considered.
The next important section develops the one-dimensional
isoparametric element. The latter is explained in great clarity
348/Vol. 111, AUGUST 1989
Copyright 1989 by ASME
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Legendre quadrature. The latter being the most productive.
The concluding section attempts to answer the question of
computer implementation. Beginning with the pre-processor,
this goes forth to the processor (calculation of element
matrices). The program consists of an assembly of a banded
matrix form and imposition of the boundary conditions. The
three computer programs (FEM1D, PLATE and FEM2D) ac-
companied by a lengthy discussion of their contents, use and
aid in the solution of the illustrative examples. A most in-
teresting chapter and well worth reading!
Chapter 4 is the lengthiest and reports on finite element
analysis of two-dimensional problems. The second-order
equation involving a scaled-value function opens the chapter.
Starting with the variational formulation, this continues with
FE formulation, integration functions with application to
three-node triangular element and a four-node rectangular ele-
ment. After assembling the element matrices, the author
plunges ahead with the makeup of the element matrice accom-
panied by clear-cut examples showing the power of the finite
element tool. Comments on mesh generation are next in order.
This involves discretization of a given domain, generation of
FE data, and imposition of boundary conditions. Jumping
ahead, we encounter the triangular and rectangular elements
and the serendipity elements. This is a forerunner of the sec-
tion on second-order multivariable equations. The resulting
coupled equations are provided by the following examples.
They are: (a) the plane elastic deformation of a linear
elastic solid, (b) flow of an incompressible viscous fluid, and
(c) bending of elastic plates with transverse shear strains.
Continuing, we meet the time-dependent problems and are
then introduced to heat transfer problem and incompressible
viscous fluid flow. In the latter, mention is made of a fixed
model plus the derivation and employment of the penalty
model This section ends with temporal approximations. It is
then compared to the finite-difference and finite elements
solutions plus an exact solution of the heat conduction
problem. The next section proceeds with isoparametric
elements and methods of numerical integration. The chapter
concludes with computer implementation as to element
calculation. Extensive application of the three computer pro-
grams are provided. They acquaint the reader with the power-
ful FE method. This is an excellent chapter and should be read
thoroughly.
The author announces that the last chapter is a prelude to
advanced topics. Starting with alternate formulation (least
squares and mixed formulation), we move ahead into the solu-
tion of eigenvalue problems and nonlinear problems. Three-
dimensional problems are touched upon very lightly.
In summary, this is a good book. The reviewer believes that
the three-dimensional section should be greatly expanded and
extended. Mention should have been made of the Wilson 6 and
Houbalt methods in the solution of transient problems. Addi-
tional topics of interest that are missing are the variable nodes
Transactions of the AS ME
 and transitional elements for isoparametric elements. The
reviewer would have preferred seeing sections on wave front
and subspace iteration for the solution of the matrices. The
book contains an excellent reference section located at the end
of each chapter. The use of computer programs is vivid and
excellently explained. Considering the comments, the reviewer
does recommend this book as a very good introduction to FE
analysis and as a further stepping stone to the more advanced
aspects of finite elements.
Earthquake Source Modeling, Ground Motion, and Structural
Response, editor, S. K. Datta, Vol. 80 (AMD-Vol. 60),
ASME, 1984, 210 pp.
The mechanics of earthquakes via analytical and numerical
techniques has always been a vital and vivid subject. The re-
cent advances in modeling and analysis puts a different light
on the behavior of ground motion amplitudes due to subsur-
face topographies and layering. The response of structures on
or above ground are determined using the foregoing tech-
nique. This symposium attempts to present the latest in-
vestigations in the analytical, numerical and experimental fin-
ding by leading experts from the U.S. and abroad. The com-
piled information in design of earthquake-resistant pipelines,
oil and gas facilities plus the other aspects of earthquake
engineering is brought out in this little volume.
The symposium consisted of 14 papers.
The initial paper recounts the recordings of ground motion
in the immediate vicinity of an earthquake fault. A number of
studies were made on previous earthquake recordings. Latest
efforts consider hybrid models in which gross features of
repetative progagations are specified deterministically but
described by a stochastic model. Paper no. 2 presents
analytical results of the ground motion generated by sudden
changes in rate of advance of a curved front of a region of
sliding in an inclined fault plane. A two-dimensional canonical
problem describes the elastic wave emission of slip-
displacement near the ruptured front. This seems to be consis-
tent with Modes II and III crack propagation models. Paper
no. 3 describes a modified version of the number integral ap-
proach in calculating the surface motion resulting for a
multilayered half-space by a point dislocation. Special
numerical techniques are employed in accurately calculating
the body wave integrals at smaller specified distances and
higher frequencies. A most interesting paper to be read!
Paper no. 4 considers the significant effect of geometry and
surface layers. Upon passage of seismic waves, the foundation
dynamics are greatly influenced. Transient motion caused by
normally incident or oblique waves can be analyzed by general
ray theory. The author modifies the theory and applies it to
transient S/F and two-dimensional P and SV waves in one or
two wedge-shaped layers, overlaying a half-space. Paper no. 5
states that the strong ground surface motion amplification
depends upon a number of parameters. There is a contrast in
material properties between layers, angle of incidence, loca-
tion of observation point and frequency of incident wave. The
versatile boundary integral equation approach is utilized.
Paper no. 6 accounts for the problem of scattering of SH
waves by inhomogeneous surface obstacles of an arbitrary
shape in a half-space. By mathematically studying various
geometries and employing a series of special functions, the
author shows that relatively small changes in interface
geometry can appreciably change the standing wave patterns
of the surface ground motion. A numerical scheme similar to
Courant's or penalty method reduces the order of the system
of equation to be solved.
Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology
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Paper no. 7 states that the scattering and radiation of elastic
waves by arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional objects is stated
by a vector boundary integral equation. The integral formula
is put in a form in which all singularities associated with the
kernal are deleted prior to solution. Illustrative examples are
provided showing the improved application. Paper no. 8
presents an efficient method used in solution by means of the
boundary integral equation. It is applied to study the effect of
surface topographies on underground structures. The method
employs a stable explicit integration scheme and no inversion
of matrices are required. The method is employed to study the
interaction between valley and tunnels. Paper no. 9 focuses
upon the numerical solution of an interface problem in which
two differential equations are to be solved in adjacent regions.
One of these regions is infinite and is described by a wholly
homogeneous equation. The anti-plane stress in an infinite
region containing an inclusion is the most important ingre-
dient of the elasticity problem. The authors employ a method
which combines the finite element and boundary integral
equation and is accompanied by an error analysis.
Paper no. 10 considers that the near field is considered to be
linear and homogeneous. The near field is spatially described
as a conventional finite element system. The outer region is
represented by frequency-dependent stiffness matrices. The
main emphasis of this proposed algorithm is its fortitude in
separately treating the singular and regular portion of the ker-
nal which describes the governing integro-differential
equation.
Paper no. 11 considers the three-dimensional nonaxisym-
metric motion resulting from a plane longitudinal wave in an
infinite medium. The next incident is the plain strain problem
of a tunnel of general shape buried in a semi-infinite medium
and disturbed by a plane longitudinal wave. Based upon
analysis, large stresses and displacements are induced in a soft
ground. The angle of incidence greatly affects the response. In
addition, the authors indicate that the beam model used in
estimating stresses in a buried pipe is wholly inadequate.
Paper no. 12 describes experiments to determine damage
mechanisms of ductile steel pipe. The underground pipe was
subjected to buried high explosives. Based upon tests, damage
relationships were developed and it showed that steel ductile
pipe possesses much higher resistance to damage than the
previously reported information for brittle pipe. Similitude
analyses were employed in developing models of pipes to blast
and ground loads. Measurements indicate that the soil
significantly altered the dynamic response of the pipe when
compared to similar test results without soil. Tests with
vacuum further indicated that the density of the sand was in-
creased because air between the sand particles were removed.
The last paper presents the dynamic interaction due to earth-
quake behavior of buried pipes when using a shell model. A
more realistic ground motion input was selected. A two-
parametric study was held in investigating the effects of pipe
radius, slenderness of pipe, soil stiffness and wave propaga-
tion or modal amplitudes.
In summary, this is an excellent symposium. A great deal of
light has been shed on the analytical and experimental
endeavors. It preaches the effects of seismicity on structures
above and below ground. This is an ever-changing subject and
topic. The results of this conference will be felt for years to
come.
H. Saunders
Scoha, NY 12302
AUGUST 1989, Vol. 111/349