Book Review

Topping, B.H.V. et al. Finite element mesh generation. Stirling: Saxe-Coburg Publications, 2004, ISBN 1-874672-10-5, £98

Many well known computer aided bureaus have extensive mesh generation programs linked to their computer packages. However, this book is based on collaborative effort by the then research group SECT at Heriot-Wall University for its intended MSc course. The subject has been decently introduced in Chapter 1. It is then followed by Block modelling concept in Chapter 2. Prior to the full divulgence of the subject, the authors quite rightly decided to inform the readers about unstructured mesh generation in Chapter 3. The advancing frontal method which one time used with frontal solution technique at University of Wales at Swansea is correctly exposed in Chapter 4. People who are familiar with the F.E. mesh generation schemes will find "Paving Method" in Chapter 5, developed at Sandia National Laboratories, extremely useful. This method is based on the advancing front style mesh generation with quadrilateral elements in dependent of the coarse mesh orientation. It has the advantage of using incremental smoothing technique during mesh generation. It is a pity that the authors for known reasons couldn't include CD-ROM for IStructE members for further research. It is difficult to rely on the website for downloading purposes.

Chapter 6 and 7 give extensively in eighty three pages two and three dimensional triangulation method. I must admit this work of authors is plausible.

After choosing anyone of the methods of generation such as:

• Advancing Front
• Delaunay Triangulation
• Structured Mesh
• Paving with Splitting

It was necessary to introduce is Chapter 8 the element transformation. Chapter 9 is devoted to mesh quality and post -processing. Although small examples illustrating mesh generation concepts and algorithms are provided through out the book, Chapter 10is exclusively devoted to large mesh generation problems using triangular and quadrilateral elements. It is interesting to see the four methods are designated with various CPU times. Examples chosen in this chapter are although valid, no specific structural examples are given for structural engineers who might be interested in computational work.

The book is supported by five appendices for the relevant topics. Each chapter has a bibliography for those who may desire to carry out in-depth study in relevant topics. A useful index is provided. The book is well presented.

I recommend this book for structural engineers involved in the computational aspects.

M Y H Bangash