This book intend to supply readers with some MATLAB codes for finite element analysis of solids and structures. After a short introduction to MATLAB, the book illustrates the finite element implementation of some problems by simple scripts and functions.

The following problems are discussed:
• Discrete systems, such as springs and bars
• Beams and frames in bending in 2D and 3D
• Plane stress problems
• Plates in bending
• Free vibration of Timoshenko beams and Mindlin plates, including laminated composites
• Buckling of Timoshenko beams and Mindlin plates

The book does not intends to give a deep insight into the finite element details, just the basic equations so that the user can modify the codes. The book was prepared for undergraduate science and engineering students, although it may be useful for graduate students. The MATLAB code sof this book are included in the disk. Readers are welcomed to use them freely. The author does not guarantee that the codes are error-free, although a major error was taken to verify all of them. Users should use MATLAB 7.0 or greater when running these codes. Any suggestions or corrections are welcomed by an email to ferreira@fe.up.pt.