Boundary Element Programming in Mechanics

Book excerpt: Nonlinear stress analysis (a branch of solid mechanics) is an essential feature in the design of such diverse structures as aircraft, bridges, machines, and dams. Computational techniques have become vital tools in dealing with the complex, time-consuming problems associated with nonlinear stress analysis. Although finite element techniques are widely used, boundary element methods (BEM) offer a powerful alternative, especially in tackling problems of three-dimensional plasticity. This book describes the application of BEM in solid mechanics, beginning with basic theory and then explaining the numerical implementation of BEM in nonlinear stress analysis. The book includes a state-of-the-art CD-ROM containing BEM source code for use by the reader. This book will be especially useful to stress analysts in industry, research workers in the field of computational plasticity, and postgraduate students taking courses in engineering mechanics.