Andreas Öchsner

This book presents, in a uniform way, several problems in applied mechanics, which are analysed using the matrix theory and the properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. It reveals that various problems and studies in mechanical engineering produce certain patterns that can be treated in a similar way. Accordingly, the same mathematical apparatus allows us to study not only mathematical structures such as quadratic forms, but also mechanics problems such as multibody rigid mechanics, continuum mechanics, vibrations, elastic and dynamic stability, and dynamic systems. In addition, the book explores a wealth of engineering applications.

This book uses a novel concept to teach the finite element method, applying it to solid mechanics. This major conceptual shift takes away lengthy theoretical derivations in the face-to-face interactions with students and focuses on the summary of key equations and concepts; and to practice these on well-chosen example problems. The theoretical derivations are provided as additional reading and students must study and review the derivations in a self-study approach. The book provides the theoretical foundations to solve a comprehensive design project in tensile testing. A classical clip-on extensometer serves as the demonstrator on which to apply the provided concepts. The major goal is to derive the calibration curve based on different approaches, i.e., analytical mechanics and based on the finite element method, and to consider further design questions such as technical drawings, manufacturing, and cost assessment. Working with two concepts, i.e., analytical and computational mechanics strengthens the vertical integration of knowledge and allows the student to compare and understand the different concepts, as well as highlighting the essential need for benchmarking any numerical result.

This book offers a brief introduction to the general-purpose finite element program MSC Marc, focusing on providing simple examples, often single-element problems, which can easily be related to the theory that is discussed in finite element lectures. As such, it is an ideal companion book to classical introductory courses on the finite element method. MSC Marc is a specialized program for non-linear problems (implicit solver), which is distributed by the MSC Software Corporation and commonly used in academia and industry. The documentation of all finite element programs now includes a variety of step-by-step examples of differing complexity, and all software companies offer professional workshops on different topics. Since the first edition of the book, there have been several new releases of Marc/Mentat and numerous changes. This new edition incorporates the latest Marc/Mentat software developments and new examples.

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 reviews drug delivery systems as mechanisms to introduce therapeutic agents into the body to help or improve tissue function, and examines different drug delivery systems applied in various organs. To date, polymeric systems, ceramic particles or composites have been used in different applications such as injectable, coatings of implants, scaffolds, or implantable devices. Such systems should be able to retain the therapeutic agent and release it in uniform amounts at a specific time.

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 andnot on standard procedures.

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 offers engineering students an introduction to the theory of partial differential equations and then guiding them through the modern problems in this subject. Divided into two parts, in the first part readers already well-acquainted with problems from the theory of differential and integral equations gain insights into the classical notions and problems, including differential operators, characteristic surfaces, Levi functions, Green’s function, and Green’s formulas. Readers are also instructed in the extended potential theory in its three forms: the volume potential, the surface single-layer potential and the surface double-layer potential. Furthermore, the book presents the main initial boundary value problems associated with elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic equations. The second part of the book, which is addressed first and foremost to those who are already acquainted with the notions and the results from the first part, introduces readers to modern aspects ofthe theory of partial differential equations.

This textbook presents finite element methods using exclusively one-dimensional elements. It presents the complex methodology in an easily understandable but mathematically correct fashion. The approach of one-dimensional elements enables the reader to focus on the understanding of the principles of basic and advanced mechanical problems. The reader will easily understand the assumptions and limitations of mechanical modeling as well as the underlying physics without struggling with complex mathematics. Although the description is easy, it remains scientifically correct. The approach using only one-dimensional elements covers not only standard problems but allows also for advanced topics such as plasticity or the mechanics of composite materials. Many examples illustrate the concepts and problems at the end of every chapter help to familiarize with the topics. Each chapter also includes a few exercise problems, with short answers provided at the end of the book. The second edition appears with a complete revision of all figures. It also presents a complete new chapter special elements and added the thermal conduction into the analysis of rod elements. The principle of virtual work has also been introduced for the derivation of the finite-element principal equation.

This book introduces readers to modern computational mechanics based on the finite element method. It helps students succeed in mechanics courses by showing them how to apply the fundamental knowledge they gained in the first years of their engineering education to more advanced topics. In order to deepen readers’ understanding of the derived equations and theories, each chapter also includes supplementary problems. These problems start with fundamental knowledge questions on the theory presented in the chapter, followed by calculation problems. In total over 80 such calculation problems are provided, along with brief solutions for each. This book is especially designed to meet the needs of Australian students, reviewing the mathematics covered in their first two years at university. The 13-week course comprises three hours of lectures and two hours of tutorials per week.

This volume demonstrates the use of FORTRAN for numerical computing in the context of the finite element method. FORTRAN is still an important programming language for computational mechanics and all classical finite element codes are written in this language, some of them even offer an interface to link user-code to the main program. This feature is especially important for the development and investigation of new engineering structures or materials. Thus, this volume gives a simple introduction to programming of elasto-plastic material behavior, which is, for example, the prerequisite for implementing new constitutive laws into a commercial finite element program.

This book highlights the remarkable importance of special functions, operational calculus, and variational methods. A considerable portion of the book is dedicated to second-order partial differential equations, as they offer mathematical models of various phenomena in physics and engineering. The book provides students and researchers with essential help on key mathematical topics, which are applied to a range of practical problems. These topics were chosen because, after teaching university courses for many years, the authors have found them to be essential, especially in the contexts of technology, engineering and economics. Given the diversity topics included in the book, the presentation of each is limited to the basic notions and results of the respective mathematical domain. Chapter 1 is devoted to complex functions. Here, much emphasis is placed on the theory of holomorphic functions, which facilitate the understanding of the role that the theory of functions ofa complex variable plays in mathematical physics, especially in the modeling of plane problems. In addition, the book demonstrates the importance of the theories of special functions, operational calculus, and variational calculus. In the last chapter, the authors discuss the basic elements of one of the most modern areas of mathematics, namely the theory of optimal control.

Andreas Öchsner bietet eine einfache Einführung in die unterschiedlichen Konzepte des Leichtbaus, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf Konzepten der Strukturmechanik und Festigkeitslehre liegt. Neben den theoretischen Grundlagen stellt der Autor auch Fragestellungen zu praktischen Anwendungsgebieten vor. Das Leichtbaupotenzial von Konstruktionen spielt in den verschiedenen Bereichen des Transportwesens – zum Beispiel im Automobil- und Flugzeugbau – eine entscheidende Rolle, da die Betriebskosten zu einem wesentlichen Teil durch das Gewicht einer Struktur bestimmt werden. Insbesondere ist für einen Konstrukteur das Verhältnis von Betriebslast zum Eigengewicht eine wichtige Kennzahl zur Beurteilung der Leichtbaugüte einer Konstruktion.

This book offers a brief introduction to the general-purpose finite element program MSC Marc, focusing on providing simple examples, often single-element problems, which can easily be related to the theory that is discussed in finite element lectures. As such, it is an ideal companion book to classical introductory courses on the finite element method. MSC Marc is a specialized program for non-linear problems (implicit solver), which is distributed by the MSC Software Corporation and commonly used in academia and industry. The documentation of all finite element programs now includes a variety of step-by-step examples of differing complexity, and all software companies offer professional workshops on different topics. Since the first edition of the book, there have been several new releases of Marc/Mentat and numerous changes. This new edition incorporates the latest Marc/Mentat software developments and new examples.

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 provides comprehensive mechanobiological insights into bone, including the microstructure of cancellous bone and its realistic loading in the human body. This approach considers different types of loads, i.e. static and dynamic, and the response under uniaxial and multiaxial loading conditions. The book also reviews additional factors influencing biomechanical properties, e.g. fluid transport. In closing, the mechanobiological approach is discussed in the context of the finite element method.

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 textbook offers readers an introduction to fracture mechanics, equipping them to grasp the basic ideas of the presented approaches to modeling in applied mechanicsIn the first part, the book reviews and expands on the classical theory of elastic and elasto-plastic material behavior. A solid understanding of these two topics is the essential prerequisite to advancing to damage and fracture mechanics. Thus, the second part of this course provides an introduction to the treatment of damage and fractures in the context of applied mechanicsWherever possible, the one-dimensional case is first introduced and then generalized in a following step. This departs somewhat from the more classical approach, where first the most general case is derived and then simplified to special cases. In general, the required mathematics background is kept to a minimumTutorials are included at the end of each chapter, presenting the major steps for the solution and offering valuable tips and tricks. The supplementary problems featured in the book

The finite element method is a powerful tool even for non-linear materials’ modeling. But commercial solutions are limited and many novel materials do not follow standard constitutive equations on a macroscopic scale. Thus, is it required that new constitutive equations are implemented into the finite element code. However, it is not sufficient to simply implement only the equations but also an appropriate integration algorithm for the constitutive equation must be provided. This book is restricted to one-dimensional plasticity in order to reduce and facilitate the mathematical formalism and theory and to concentrate on the basic ideas of elasto-plastic finite element procedures. A comprehensive set of completely solved problems is designed for the thorough understand of the presented theory. After working with this new book and reviewing the provided solved and supplementary problems, it should be much easier to study and understand the advanced theory and the respective text books.

Andreas Öchsner bietet eine Einführung in die unterschiedlichen Theorien der statischen Balkenbiegung sowie deren Annahmen und Limitierungen. Er behandelt insbesondere die Theorien nach Euler-Bernoulli, Timoshenko und Levinson bei kleinen Verformungen und Dehnungen. Dieses Wissen bildet die Grundlage für die Anwendung moderner Berechnungsmethoden, zum Beispiel der Methode der finiten Elemente (FEM). Das Buch bietet eine kompakte und schnelle „Anleitung“ zur Anwendung der unterschiedlichen Balkentheorien. Die Annahmen und Limitierungen werden hier vergleichend in einem Werk dargestellt. Die grundlegenden Beziehungen, die zur beschreibenden Differenzialgleichung führen, sind ausführlich dargestellt und erläutert.