“Finite Element Procedures”, Bathe, K.J.
Note: BOLD sections listed below represent mandatory reading. Other italicized sections are optional
and should be read or skimmed at your discretion. Most examples can be skimmed or skipped, but a few
are enlightening.
Sections 2.1-2.5
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Read only if you need a brush up on LA, vectors, tensors
Sections 3.3-3.4
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Understanding of variational formulations and minimization of total potential is important
See that Galerkin approach works too, recognize how that is related to virtual work
Sections 4.2.1-4.2.3
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Initial derivation of finite element equations
Different types of elements (ie plane stress, beam, axisymmetric)
Enforcing BC
Sections 4.4.2
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The basics of “mixed formulations”
Bring in more fundamental unknowns than just displacements
Section 4.4.3 (Only if incompressible is important)
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Displacement-pressure mixed formulation in detail
If more practice with mixed forms is needed read this section
Sections 5.1-5.3.2, 5.5
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Important! The isoparametric formulation of FEM.
Shape functions, mapped geometry, Jacobians, numerical integrations etc.
The remaining sections are only necessary to read if they directly pertain to a topic you are working on.
Plenty more good stuff, but not necessary to read.