Course objectives (capabilities pursued and learning results):

The main objective is the deeper comprehension of the Finite Element Method. The first lectures concern the reliability of the Finite Element Method. In the sequel, the finite elements of plates and shells are studied. The isoparametric formulation of these elements is also considered. The study of adaptive finite elements and mixed finite elements follows. The last lectures concern the direct and the iterative solution techniques for solving the system of equilibrium equations and the programming of the method.

As a result the graduate students obtain a deeper knowledge of the Finite Element Method. Those of the students who are familiar with programming, will be able to start writing a simple F.E. code.