Question

The number of shape functions will be equal to the number of​

Answer 1

Explanation:

FEA software tends to calculate values of quantities at Integration points and then extrapolates them to the Nodal positions. If you are looking for solutions at any other position on the element except the nodes, then that is a bit tricky and this is where the shape functions come into play.

So for an element ‘ab’ connected to nodes a and b, at any point in the element other than the nodes themself, the values of the solution are got by interpolating between the nodes using some function. This is what is called as the SHAPE FUNCTIONS. So for a Linear element, the shape functions are also Linear.

Answer 2

The number of shape functions will be equal to the number of​ nodes of the element.

Explanation:

• Finite element analysis is a computerized software method for forecasting how a product responds to real-world situations like forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow, and other physical effects.
• An element is the fundamental unit of finite element analysis.
• In finite element analysis, the shape functions are the errors in the analysis.
• The shape functions are the polynomials used to define the discrepancy of the primary variable along with the element domains.