“Finite Element Modeling for Stress Analysis” by Cook is an excellent choice for an outline of the basic theory that every user should know. But it doesn’t give derivations. Cook’s other book, “Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis”, goes into a little more depth, and is also very good.
“Energy and Finite Element Methods in Structural Mechanics” by Shames & Dym, covers energy methods very well before using them to derive the finite element method. “Theory of Matrix Structural Analysis” by Przemieniecki, covers many finite element related topics and is available as an inexpensive Dover paperback, but it might be a little out-dated.
If you want more rigorous theory from leaders in the field, you should consider one or more of the following:
Bathe, Finite Element Procedures
Hughes, The Finite Element Method (available as a Dover paperback)
Zienkiewicz & Taylor, The Finite Element Method (2 Volumes)
As people have been saying in this forum about buying software, it’s best to look at any book yourself before buying it, especially since technical books are expensive. Check your local college library, or at least try to find the table of contents on the publisher’s web site.
Good Luck!
