Chapter 2 – Meshing, Element Types, and Element Shape Functions

Abstract In this chapter, we introduce the parameters needed to describe a node and an element. Next we emphasize the concept of using the simplest types of elements in developing a finite element mesh. We then derive, in detail, element shape functions [ N ] for some of the simplest 1D, 2D, and 3D elements in Cartesian coordinate system. And finally, we introduce the strain–displacement matrix [ B ], which is derived from the element shape functions.