Theory of Matrix Structural Analysis

This book remains a great intellectual achievement, right up there with the works of Timoshenko. I've been able to write several quite useful programs using various element stiffness matrices spelled-out explicitly in this volume. Other books that I've read on F.E.M. seem to banter around the subject in obtuse mathematical terms. Przemieniecki derives ever step - and most importantly - he gives complete element stiffness matrices! I have copied very large 12 x 12 element stiffness matrices from this book into space frame and plate analysis programs that I've written with excellent results. The book derives stiffness and dynamic matrices properties, essentially using the principle of minimization of potential energy. The book does not go into other types of problems such as heat-flow, torsion or fluid flow. But for structural engineers, like myself, I think that it's best to learn first the solution of stiffness problems to get a grasp of what F.E.M. is about. The best $10.95 I've spent on a book (when it was easily available in bookstores). If you are into writing F.E.M. programs and if you can find this book, get it!

This book helped me starting in my acknowledgments of Matrix Analysis. It's suggested for everyone who wants to get in to the matrix analysis.