History of Finite Element Method

In 1906 , first time a structural problem related to civil engineering application was solved using 1-D beam  by hand calculation. 

In 1909, Ritz developed a direct method to find an approximate solution for boundary value problems. It converts the often insoluble differential equation into solution of a matrix equation. This method is also known Ritz's variation principle and the Rayleigh-Ritz principle.

In 1915, Galerkin published an article in which he put forward an idea of an approximate method for differential equations, in particular boundary value problems. A method for approximating the solution to a problem in weak form. 

In 1943, Courant used the piecewise approximation to an assemblage of triangular elements to study the St. Vanant torsion Problem. (formed the basis of Mathematical model of FEA)

In 1950 , Aerospace industry engineers formulated stiffness equations.

In 1960 , Clough was the first used the term "Finite Element Method".

Late 60's , Many industries recognized FEM as useful tool for solving the real life problems.

In 1980 , Graphical & computational development happened.

During the 1990 to 2000 , due to emergence of low cost , powerful PC work stations many software based on FEM was developed which are as follows:

1. I-DEAS

2. NISA

3. ANSYS

4.NASTRAN

5.DEFORM

6.LS-DYNA

etc.