The finite element method (FEM) celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2021 as a cornerstone of engineering design analysis and scientific modeling. FEM’s impact spans from material mechanics to medical applications, semiconductor design, and beyond, solving problems described by partial differential equations. This paper provides a historical overview of FEM’s development divided into four key time periods, highlighting how pioneers like R.W. Clough and J.H. Argyris revolutionized the approach to structural analysis. Key figures in the story include M. Jon Turner, R.W. Clough, and O.C. Zienkiewicz, who made pivotal contributions. The development of FEM had a profound impact on various industries, notably aerospace and defense, forever changing engineering practices.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11831-022-09740-9