Lecture, four hours; outside study, eight hours. Requisite: course 156A or M256A, or consent of instructor. Strongly recommended requisites: courses M168, M256B, 261A. Application of finite element method to classical and state-of-art modeling and design problems for solids and structures. Introduction of commercial mainstream finite element program--ABAQUS--and demonstration of how to use it in advanced way. Topics include review of finite element method, static and dynamic linear elasticity, finite deformation of hyperelastic materials, instability analysis, fracture, and implementation of user-defined subroutines in ABAQUS. Term projects using computers. Letter grading.