Didactic Proposal for Learning Finite Element Methods

Abstract

The Finite Element Method "FEM" is a numerical method for the solution of differential equations used in various areas of engineering and physics, which discretizes a domain by dividing it into a finite number of geometric elements that approximate the original model, by continuously generating values of the unknowns throughout the entire solution domain instead of isolated points, facilitating the development of a didactic proposal for learning the finite element method using the mathematical software Matlab. An example is presented that reveals the suitability of the approach adopted to reduce the existing gap between the mathematical support of the method and the simplicity of software use. Also, numerical methods have become an indispensable tool for engineers; Already that gives them, in an approximate way, the solution of an application problem, which analytically it would be impossible to solve. Which provide the engineering student with knowledge basic of mathematical applications for the numerical solution of problems, allowing likewise to present the guidelines used for the design of algorithms and the construction of programs that, with the help of the computer, facilitate the work of the Engineer.