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This book shows how MATLAB programming framework can be used in finite element analysis of solids and structures. Topics covered range from simple springs and bars to more complex beams and plates in static bending, free vibrations and buckling problems.

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This book intend to supply readers with some MATLAB codes for ?nite element analysis of solids and structures. After a short introduction to MATLAB, the book illustrates the ?nite element implementation of some problems by simple scripts and functions. The following problems are discussed: - Discrete systems, such as springs and bars - Beams and frames in bending in 2D and 3D - Plane stress problems - Plates in bending - Free vibration of Timoshenko beams and Mindlin plates, including laminated composites - Buckling of Timoshenko beams and Mindlin plates The book does not intends to give a deep insight into the ?nite element details, just the basic equations so that the user can modify the codes. The book was prepared for undergraduate science and engineering students, although it may be useful for graduate students. TheMATLABcodesofthisbookareincludedinthedisk.Readersarewelcomed to use them freely. The author does not guarantee that the codes are error-free, although a major e?ort was taken to verify all of them. Users should use MATLAB 7.0 or greater when running these codes. Any suggestions or corrections are welcomed by an email to ferreira@fe.up.pt.

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