FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION :

For beginners who are about to study fem (or) interested to study fem. I studied the same course in my graduate, but i still not convinced to a full understanding of the fem course. Because there are some missing pieces to gather before starting with fem, that missing pieces are calculus of variations which is very interesting course. Calculus of variations - course needed to study for everyone who prefer studying fem . I'll recommend best books for calculus of variations which as follows:

Differential Equations and the Calculus of Variations - Elsgoltz .

https://www.amazon.com/Differential-Equations-Calculus-Variations-Elsgolts/dp/1410210677 (amazon link)

Calculus of variations - I.M.Gelfand & S.V.Fomin .

https://www.amazon.com/Calculus-Variations-Dover-Books-Mathematics/dp/0486414485 (amazon link)

the books prescribed are the amazing books and good for beginners to read the chapters through it. Initially real analysis mathematics knowledge terrorizes you a bit, but you'll come to proper understanding of fem ONLY if you have good knowledge of calculus of variations (which has a interesting history).

Thank you,

Surya