Fundamentals of the finite element method

The present paper gives a brief review of the finite element method. After a historical review, the organization of the finite element analysis in two steps, an element analysis and a system analysis, is described for a simple frame problem.The generalization of this idea to two-and three-dimensional problems is explained and the application of simple types of elements is discussed. The extension to more complex elements is outlined, and finally the capability of the method in solving non-linear and dynamic problems is sketched.