A practical introduction to the use of the finite-element method and variational methods to solve engineering problems about beams, bars, torsion, and plane elasticity. Includes a concise section on composite-material laminated plates and shells. Contains numerous examples, exercises, problems, and references.

J. N. REDDY, PhD, is University Distinguished Professor and inaugural holder of the Oscar S. Wyatt Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. He has authored and coauthored several books, including Energy and Variational Methods in Applied Mechanics, Advanced Engineering Analysis, and A Mathematical Theory of Finite Elements, all published by Wiley.