Teaching Finite Element Method of Structural Line Elements Assisted by Open Source Softwar

One of the important objectives in teaching finite element method at introductory level is to bring students into the comprehension of finite element procedures. This study presents a strategy of teaching structural line elements involving an open source computer-aided learning tool FreeMat integrated with another open source CALFEM finite element toolbox. FreeMat, which is a programming based learning tool, is used together with other higher level learning tools; Open/Libre Office Spreadsheet and LISA finite element analysis application package. The spreadsheet is the main learning tool for students to implement finite element procedures whereas FreeMat is used for verification purpose in programming approach and LISA provides a practical skill in using finite element package program. Involving FreeMat in the learning process provides a quick verification check for the finite element solution. This verification tool helps students when they implement finite element procedures to solve structural problems.