The finite element method is a numerical procedure for solving the ordinary and partial differential equations that arise in engineering and mathematical physics. This lucidly written book is an introduction to the theory and application of finite element methods in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and optimization. The authors' extensive experience of the application of finite element methods gives the book a practical slant. Examples are scattered throughout the text. Care is taken to explain and demonstrate techniques for formatting finite element apparatus to problems. Programming techniques for solving the resulting FEM problems are also thoroughly covered. This eminently practical book is complete and self-contained both in terms of coverage of theory exposition and practical methodology.