Generalized Finite Element Evaluation Procedure
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 111, Issue 2
Abstract
A rational procedure for evaluating the performance of two and three dimensional finite elements is developed. This procedure compares the strain energy content and the strain distribution of the finite element model to that of the continuum region it represents for well‐defined strain states. The use of Taylor series expansions which relate the displacements, rotations, and strains through strain gradient terms allows the strain energies and the pointwise strains of the finite element model and the continuum to be directly compared. The evaluation procedure is demonstrated by applying it to a six‐node isoparametric element undergoing a series of progressive initial distortions. From these results, a simple algorithm to predict the maximum strain energy error as a function of initial geometry is developed for incorporation into finite element codes at the grid generation level.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 111 • Issue 2 • February 1985
Pages: 435 - 452
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 ASCE.
History
Published online: Feb 1, 1985
Published in print: Feb 1985
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