devoted to special topics or emphasize error analysis and numerical accuracy. Others stick to the fundamentals and do little to describe the development and implementation of algorithms for solving real-world problems.Introduction to Finite and Spectral Element Methods Using MATLAB provides a means of quickly understanding both the theoretical foundation and practical implementation of the finite element method and its companion spectral element method. Written in the form of a self-contained course, it introduces the fundamentals on a need-to-know basis and emphasizes algorithm development and computer implementation of the essential procedures.Firmly asserting the importance of simultaneous practical experience when learning any numerical method, the author provides FSELIB: a software library of user-defined MATLAB functions and complete finite and spectral element codes. FSELIB is freely available for download from http://dehesa.freeshell.org, which is also a host for the book, providing further information, links to resources, and FSELIB updates.The presentation is suitable for both self-study and formal course work, and its state-of-the-art review of the field make it equally valuable as a professional reference. With this book as a guide, you immediately will be able to run the codes as given and graphically display solutions to a wide variety of problems in heat transfer and solid, fluid, and structural mechanics.

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