Here are some files that give you some basics of the FEA (finite element 
analysis) used in the beam codes we are using. Please note that the 
following descriptions of the FEA were developed for an undergraduate 
course. Note further that it is based on the principle of minimum 
potential energy for the specific case of linear, static structural 
mechanics.

<br>

<OL>
<LI>
<A HREF="Chapter2.pdf"> Chapter 2.pdf </A> for minimum potential energy 
method
<LI>
<A HREF="Chapter3.pdf"> Chapter 3.pdf </A> for Rayleigh-Ritz method
<LI>
<A HREF="Chapter4.pdf"> Chapter 4.pdf </A> for shape functions
<LI>
<A HREF="Chapter5.pdf"> Chapter 5.pdf </A> for FEA for bar elements
<LI>
<A HREF="Chapter6.pdf"> Chapter 6.pdf </A> for FEA for trusses
<LI>
<A HREF="Chapter7.pdf"> Chapter 7.pdf </A> for FEA for beams and frames
</OL>