EM 4123/6123 Introduction to the Finite Element Method: Course

Syllabus
Manav Bhatia∗

Instructor
Name Dr. Manav Bhatia
Assistant Professor
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Mississippi State University
Office Walker Engineering Bldg., Rm. 318 C & HPC 204A
Hours 1 hour before and after class
Phone (662) 325-7202
Email bhatia@ae.msstate.edu

Course Objectives
This course will provide advanced treatment of the theoretical concepts and principles necessary for the
application of the finite element method in the solution of differential equations in engineering.

Method of Instruction
Course will comprise of lectures delivered face-to-face in class-room. Video recordings of the lectures will be
provided.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Course Textbook
Reddy, J.N., An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2005.

Supplementary References
• Shames, I. H. and Dym, C., Energy and Finite Element Methods In Structural Mechanics, CRC Press,
1996.
• Bathe, K. J., Finite Element Procedures, Prentice-Hall, 1996.
• Hughes, T.J.R., The Finite Element Method: Linear Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis,
Dover Publications, 2000
∗ Assistant Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Mississippi State University, email: bhatia@ae.msstate.edu

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Prerequisites
• Programming experience in Matlab.
• Single- and multi-variable calculus

Tentative Course Outline

The course will cover the following topics:
1. Integral formulations and variational methods
2. Basic steps of finite element analysis (FEA)
3. FEA of one-dimensional problems
4. Numerical integration and computer implementation
5. FEA of boundary value problems and eigenvalue problems
6. Time-integration and FEA of initial-boundary value problems
7. FEA of convection or reaction dominated problems
8. FEA of two-dimensional problems
9. Finite element error analysis

Method of Evaluation
Assignments will include components of analytical work and programming tasks. The intensity of program-
ming will increase significantly towards the end of the course.
• Required topics for undergraduate students: 1-6.
• Graduate students will be graded based on all topics (1-9).

Undergraduate Graduate
Students Students
Required Topics 1-6 1-9
Assignments 60% 60%
Mid-Term Exam 20% 20%
Final Exam 20% 20%

Grading
90%-100% A
80%- 89% B
70%- 79% C
60%- 69% D
<60% F

Academic Honor Code

Cheating will not be tolerated in this course and will be dealt with according to Mississippi State University
policy. Students are expected to adhere to and uphold the standards of the official honor code of the
University: As a Mississippi State University student, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all
times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.

2
Title IX Statement
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and harassment, based on sex. This means that MSUs educational programs and activities must be free from
sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know
has experienced sex discrimination, sexual violence and/or harassment by any member of the University
community, you are encouraged to report the conduct to MSUs Director of Title IX/EEO Programs at
325-8124 or by e-mail to titleix@msstate.edu. Additional resources are available at http://www.msstate.
edu/web/security/title9-12.pdf, or at http://students.msstate.edu/sexualmisconduct/.