Finite Element Method with Applications in Engineering

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Engineering problems can be classified into two fundamental categories on the basis of adopted view points. In one view point called Lagrangian concept, all matter consists of particles that retain their identity and nature as they move through space. The position of particles in space at any instant is obtained by the coordinate systems, which are functions of time. In the other view point, known as Eulerian concept, the problem is considered to be in continuum rather than consisting of particle. All the processes are characterized by field quantities that are defined at every point in space and time and one point is focused to observe the phenomena occurring there. Most engineering problems can be considered as continuum problems ...