Finite Element History
Finite element is a numeric procedure to solve the continum mechanical problem with an acceptable accuration by the engineer. In 1906 and the next years, the researchers propose Lattice Analogical method to solve continum problem. The continum was approached with organized nets formed by elastic bars. Then, this method growth to become method
for structural analysis. In 1941, a mathematic expert Courant, propose polinomial interpolation for each part in triangle area, as the method to get numerical approach solutions. Courant introduce his method as the solution for Rayleigh-Ritz Variational problems. This method known as the Finite Element method.
On that time, the expert opinions still be assumed unpractical because there is no computer to handle this calculation.
After 1953, the engineers define the stiffness equation in matrix notation and enable to solve the equation using digital computer. Classic handing out written by Turner, Clough, Martin, and Topp published in 1956. With this handing out and added by another article, the rapid development of engineering finite element has begun. The name of finite element was called for the very first time in 1960. Since 1963 this method becomes something interesting to be learned for intelectual.
In 1967 many of engineers and mathematic experts worked with this finite element method, but no observation to each other. In 1961, has published for ten handing out about finite element. 134 in 1966, and 844 in 1971. In 1979, two decades after engineering application was begun, the number of cumulative publication about finite element has passed for 7000.
