4/10/2017

Shape function
In the finite element analysis aim is to find the field variables at
nodal points by rigorous analysis, assuming at any point inside the
element basic variable is a function of values at nodal points of the
element. This function which relates the field variable at any
point within the element to the field variables of nodal points is
called shape function. this is also called as interpolation function. In
two dimensional stress analysis in which basic field variable is
displacement.
Shape functions need to satisfy the following conditions such as:-
1.Their first derivatives must be finite within element
2. The displacement must be continuous across the element
boundary.
Shape functions must have some characteristics, which are
1.Each shape function has a value of one at its own node and zero at
the other node
2. The sum of all the shape functions is equal to one.
3.The shape functions are always polynomials of the same type as
the original interpolation functions. That is , if the field variable is
defined by a linear equation, then the shape functions are also
linear equations and so on.
4.For one dimensional element , the sum of the derivatives with
respect to ‘x’ is equal to zero

Types of coordinate systems 2.Local coordinate system:-for the convenience of deriving

element properties , in FEM many times for each element a
The following coordinate systems used in FEM
separate coordinate system is used.
1.Global coordinates
2. Local coordinates
3. Natural coordinates.
1.Global coordinates:-the coordinate system used to define the points in
the entire structure .
in global coordinate system , the nodes of various elements of the
system are specified by the common axis, whose origin is mostly 3.Natural coordinate system:-is a coordinate system which permits
away from the element. the specification of a within the element by set of dimensionless
numbers whose magnitude never exceeds unity. It is obtained by
assigning weightages to the nodal coordinates in defining the
coordinate of any point inside the element . hence such systems
has the property that ith coordinate has a value at node i of the
element and zero value at all other nodes.

3.Natural coordinate system Shape function of beam element:-

Shape functions of Bar element:

1
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Shape function of CST element:-