As we attempt to solve engineering problems of ever increasing complexity, so must we develop and learn new methods for doing so. The Finite Difference Method used for centuries eventually gave way to Finite Element Methods (FEM), which better met the demands for flexibility, effectiveness, and accuracy in problems involving complex geometry. Now, however, the limitations of FEM are becoming increasingly evident, and a new and more powerful class of techniques is emerging.For the first time in book form, Mesh Free Methods: Moving Beyond the Finite Element Method provides full, step-by-step details of techniques that can handle very effectively a variety of mechanics problems. The author systematically explores and establishes the theories, principles, and procedures that lead to mesh free methods. He shows that meshless methods not only accommodate complex problems in the mechanics of solids, structures, and fluids, but they do so with a significant reduction in pre-processing time.While they are not yet fully mature, mesh free methods promise to revolutionize engineering analysis. Filled with the new and unpublished results of the author's award-winning research team, this book is your key to unlocking the potential of these techniques, implementing them to solve real-world problems, and contributing to further advancements.