Principles of Finite Element Methods

February 1 to March 31, 2026 | Fees: $1,390
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The objective of this course is to teach in a unified manner the fundamentals of the finite element method for the analysis of engineering problems arising in solids and structures. The course will emphasize the solution of real-life problems using the finite element method underscoring the importance of the choice of the proper mathematical model, discretization techniques and element selection criteria. Finally, students will learn how to judge the quality of the numerical solution and improve accuracy in an efficient manner by optimal selection of solution variables.

Course Schedule

• Course Start Date: February 1, 2026

• Course End Date: March 31, 2026

• Live Q&A Session 1: February 14, 2026 1:00 pm CT

• Live Q&A Session 2: March 14, 2026 1:00 pm CT

• Exam Return Due: April 15, 2026 (only for participants seeking certificate)

• One year full access to the course materials from the course start date

Course Highlights

• Full access to 16 hours of lecture videos
• Full access to lecture notes
• Solved practical examples
• Lifetime membership of LinkedIn private computational geomechanics group
• Certificate and 16 PDH credits

Course Outline

Section 1 Introduction to Finite Element Method
Section 2 Matrix Algebra
Section 3 Stiffness Method
Section 4 Minimum Potential Energy Method
Section 5 Truss Analysis Using Finite Element Method
Section 6 Beam Analysis Using Finite Element Method
Section 7 Frame Analysis Using Finite Element Method
Section 8 FE Analysis of Plane Strain and Plane Stress Elements
Section 9 Practical Consideration of Finite Element Method
Section 10 Practical Examples of Finite Element Modeling

Instructor

Siavash Zamiran, Ph.D., P.E.
Dr. Zamiran is a geotechnical and geomechanics engineer with over than 15 years of industry and academic experience in different geotechnical and petroleum engineering disciplines. Currently, Dr. Zamiran is a geotechnical/geomechanics consultant, founder and instructor at Mohr Academy, and Senior Lecturer at University of Houston. Dr. Zamiran is a member of ASCE Geo-Institute Computational Geotechnics Committee. He was the winner of national ASCE Edmund Friedman Award in 2019 and ASCE St. Louis Young Engineer Award in 2018.

Welcome to the course!

Course Agreement

Lecture Format

Course Outline

Course Textbook

Course Handouts

Section 1. Introduction.pdf

Section 2. Matrix Algebra.pdf

Section 3. Stiffness Method.pdf

Section 4. MPE Method.pdf

Section 5. Trusses.pdf

Section 6. Beams.pdf

Section 7. Frames.pdf

Section 8. Plane Stress-Strain.pdf

Section 9. Practical Consideration.pdf

Section 10. Examples of FEM.pdf

Section 11. Introduction to Numerical Modeling.pdf

Section 12. Numerical Tools with Focus on Geotechnical Engineering.pdf

Section 13. Introduction to FLAC as a Numerical Tool for Geotechnical Engineers.pdf

Section 14. Model Analysis in FLAC.pdf

Section 1 Introduction to Finite Element Method

Section 1 Introduction Part I.mp4

Section 1 Introduction Part II.mp4

Section 1 Introduction Part III.mp4

Section 1 Introduction Part IV.mp4

Section 1 Introduction Part V.mp4

Section 1 Introduction Part VI.mp4

Section 1 Introduction Part VII.mp4

Section 2 Matrix Algebra

Section 2 Matrix Algebra.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part I.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part II.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part III.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part IV.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part V.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part VI.mp4

Section 3 Stiffness Method Part VII.mp4

Section 4 Minimum Potential Energy Method

Section 4 MPE Method Part I.mp4

Section 4 MPE Method Part II.mp4

Section 5 Truss Analysis Using Finite Element Method

Section 5 Trusses Part I.mp4

Section 5 Trusses Part II.mp4

Section 5 Trusses Part III.mp4

Section 5 Trusses Part IV.mp4

Section 6 Beam Analysis Using Finite Element Method

Section 6 Beams Part I.mp4

Section 6 Beams Part II.mp4

Section 6 Beams Part III.mp4

Section 7 Frame Analysis Using Finite Element Method

Section 7 Frames Part I.mp4

Section 7 Frames Part II.mp4

Section 8 FE Analysis of Plane Strain and Plane Stress Elements

Section 8 2D Elements Part I.mp4

Section 8 2D Elements Part II.mp4

Section 9 Practical Consideration of Finite Element Method

Notes on Part 2 of the Course

Software License

Software Installation Guideline

Section 9 Practical Considerations Part I.mp4

Section 9 Practical Considerations Part II.mp4

Section 9 Practical Considerations Part III.mp4

Section 10 Practical Examples of Finite Element Modeling

Section 10 Examples Part I.mp4

Section 10 Examples Part II.mp4

Section 11 Introduction to Numerical Modeling

Section 11.mp4

Section 12 Numerical Tools with Focus on Geotechnical Engineering

Section 12 Numerical Tools Part I.mp4

Section 12 Numerical Tools Part II.m4v

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC as a Numerical Tool for Geotechnical Engineers

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC Part I.mp4

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC Part II.mp4

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC Part III.mp4

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC Part IV.mp4

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC Part V.mp4

Section 13 Introduction to FLAC Part VI.mp4

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC Part I.mp4

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC Part II.mp4

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC Part III.mp4

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC Part IV.mp4

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC Part V.mp4

Section 14 Model Analysis in FLAC Part VI.mp4

Homework Examples

Homework problems are provided as additional resources and examples for participants. In each section, participants get access to both problems and solutions of the homework. Participants are not required to submit and return the homework and they can consider the problems as self-study materials.

HW1 Matrix Problems and Solutions.pdf

HW2 FE Method Problems and Solutions.pdf

HW3 Trusses Problems and Solutions.pdf

HW4 Beams Problems and Solutions.pdf

HW5 Frames and Planes Problems and Solutions.pdf

Final Notes, Certificate, and Exam

Thank you for taking the course!

Preview

Final Exam

Finite Element Exam File.docx