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Assi 03interpolation Functions and Simplex

The document discusses interpolation functions and different types of finite elements used in finite element analysis. Polynomial-type interpolation functions are commonly used due to being easy to formulate and compute and allowing improved accuracy by increasing polynomial order. Elements are categorized as simplex, complex, or multiplex based on their interpolation functions. Simplex elements use constant and linear polynomials and have nodes only at corners. Complex elements use quadratic or higher order polynomials and have additional nodes, usually on boundaries. Multiplex elements also use high-order polynomials but do not use complete polynomial expressions and require parallel sides between elements.

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Ramesh Bammankatti
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810 views

Assi 03interpolation Functions and Simplex

The document discusses interpolation functions and different types of finite elements used in finite element analysis. Polynomial-type interpolation functions are commonly used due to being easy to formulate and compute and allowing improved accuracy by increasing polynomial order. Elements are categorized as simplex, complex, or multiplex based on their interpolation functions. Simplex elements use constant and linear polynomials and have nodes only at corners. Complex elements use quadratic or higher order polynomials and have additional nodes, usually on boundaries. Multiplex elements also use high-order polynomials but do not use complete polynomial expressions and require parallel sides between elements.

Uploaded by

Ramesh Bammankatti
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Interpolation Functions and Simplex, Complex and Multiplex Elements

The basic idea of the finite element method is piecewise approximation that
is, the solution of a complicated problem is obtained by dividing the region of
interest into small regions (finite elements) and approximating the solution over
each sub region by a simple function. Thus, a necessary and important step is that
of choosing a simple function for the solution in each element. The functions used
to represent the behavior of the solution within an element are called interpolation
functions or approximating functions or interpolation models. Polynomial-type
interpolation functions have been most widely used in the literature due to the
following reasons:
1] Polynomials are popular because they are easy to formulate and computerize,
and in particular their differentiation and integration is straightforward to
implement on a computer
2] It is possible to improve the accuracy of the results by increasing the order of
the polynomial, as shown in Figure. Theoretically, a polynomial of infinite order
corresponds to the exact solution. But in practice we use polynomials of finite
order only as an approximation.
Although trigonometric functions also possess some of these properties, they
are seldom used in the finite element analysis.
Simplex, complex and multiplex elements

Elements are normally categorized by virtue of their interpolation functions


into three groups: simplex, complex and multiplex. Typical elements for the
different categories are shown in Fig. below

Simplex elements have polynomials with constant and linear terms only, and the
nodes are located at the corners of the elements.

Complex elements use quadratic, cubic and higher-order interpolation


polynomials. They have the same shape as the simplex elements but have
additional nodes, usually on the boundaries of the elements but although
sometimes internally.

Multiplex elements also use high-order interpolation polynomials, but unlike


complex elements do not use complete polynomial expressions. To ensure
continuity between different elements, the sides of multiplex elements have to be
parallel to the coordinate system.

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