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Aerodynamics for Pilots 

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There are many good books on finite element (FE) theory: This is not one of them.  Rather, this book fills the gap between FE textbooks and commercial user manuals.  This is done by providing just enough theory for the practicing engineer to use commercial FE tools to solve real world structural problems - but with full insight into the theoretical assumptions and cognizance of the limitations of the method. Mathematics are developed from structural mechanics (i.e., physical basis) w/applications to heat transfer, fluid mechanics and other engineering problems shown by analogy.  This approach avoids the high-level mathematics (i.e., variational calculus) typically used to develop the theory in its most general form.

Some practical FE system modeling techniques to simulate common mechanical parts found in complex structural systems but not covered in classical FE textbooks.  Simple examples are provided to illustrate both the implications of FE theory and provide practical techniques to model parts that do not lend themselves to conventional meshing (bearings, fasteners, etc.).  Also, discussed are industry evaluation standards (e.g., design margins) used to evaluate analysis results requiring design decisions.  This book also includes an introduction to structural dynamics.

Examples are solved using the Fem2K FE program.  It performs 3-D static/transient structural analyses and steady state thermal, electrical or fluid flow problems.  It's self-contained with a simple user interface, model development, solver and output reviewing utilities.  It, by no means, has all the modern automeshing features and error checking of modern production programs (so does require thinking) but can be learned quickly and used to solve many useful engineering problems.  It also serves as a low cost, self-teaching tool.  Original buyers of this book can request a free copy of Fem2K.  Between this book and Fem2K, this is an easy way for a practicing engineer to get started in FE analysis.

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Soft Cover, 168 pages