Finite Element Method
AimsBefore you startIntroductionNodes, elements, degrees of freedom and boundary conditionsDirect stiffness method and the global stiffness matrixEnforcing Boundary ConditionsInterpolation/Basis/Shape Functions1D first order shape functions1D second order shape functionsTypical steps during FEM modellingSummaryQuestionsTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Aims
On completion of this TLP you should:
- Understand the basics of the finite element method
- Be familiar with the concepts of nodes, elements and discretisation
- Understand the direct stiffness method
- Be able to construct an element stiffness matrix and a global stiffness matrix for 1-dimensional elements
- Appreciate the importance of boundary conditions
- Understand shape (interpolation) functions for 1-dimensional elements
- Understand the difference between linear and non-linear static finite element problems
- Be familiar with some common reasons for non-convergence