Book description
When using numerical simulation to make a decision, how can its
reliability be determined? What are the common pitfalls and mistakes
when assessing the trustworthiness of computed information, and how
can they be avoided?
Whenever numerical simulation is employed in connection with
engineering decision-making, there is an implied expectation of
reliability: one cannot base decisions on computed information without
believing that information is reliable enough to support those
decisions. Using mathematical models to show the reliability of
computer-generated information is an essential part of any modelling effort.
Giving users of finite element analysis (FEA) software an
introduction to verification and validation procedures, this book
thoroughly covers the fundamentals of assuring reliability in
numerical simulation. The renowned authors systematically guide
readers through the basic theory and algorithmic structure of the
finite element method, using helpful examples and exercises throughout.
- Delivers the tools needed to have a working knowledge of the
finite element method
- Illustrates the concepts and procedures of verification and validation
- Explains the process of conceptualization supported by virtual experimentation
- Describes the convergence characteristics of the h-, p- and hp-methods
- Covers the hierarchic view of mathematical models and finite
element spaces
- Uses examples and exercises which illustrate the techniques and
procedures of quality assurance
- Ideal for mechanical and structural engineering students,
practicing engineers and applied mathematicians
- Includes parameter-controlled examples of solved problems in a
companion website (www.
wiley. com/go/szabo)
Barna Szabó is co-founder and president of
Engineering Software Research and Development, Inc. (ESRD), the
company that produces the professional finite element analysis
software StressCheck®. Prior to his retirement from the School of
Engineering and Applied Science of Washington University in 2006 he
served as the Albert P. and Blanche Y. Greensfelder Professor of
Mechanics. His primary research interest is assurance of quality and
reliability in the numerical stimulation of structural and mechanical
systems by the finite element method. He has published over 150 papers
in refereed technical journals. Several of them in collaboration with
Professor Ivo Babuška, with whom he also published a book on finite
element analysis (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1991). He is a founding
member and Fellow of the US Association for Computational Mechanics.
Among his honors are election to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences as
External Member and an honorary doctorate.
Ivo Babuška's research has been concerned mainly with the
reliability of computational analysis of mathematical problems and
their applications, especially by the finite element method. He was
the first to address a posteriori error estimation and adaptivity in
finite element analysis. His research papers on these subjects
published in the 1970s have been widely cited. His joint work with
Barna Szabó on the p-version of the finite element method established
the theoretical foundations and the algorithmic structure for this
method. His recent work has been concerned with the mathematical
formulation and treatment of uncertainties which are present in every
mathematical model. In recognition of his numerous important
contributions, Professor Babuška received may honors, which include
honorary doctorates, medals and prizes and election to prestigious
academies.
