ISOparametric

The various elements so far we have seen are having straight edges. To take care
of curved boundaries refined meshes are to be used when straight edged
elements are employed. Even with refined meshes analysts were not happy with
the results since unnecessary stress concentrations are introduced. Higher order
elements also do not overcome the problem of suitably approximating curved
boundaries. The isoparametric concept brought out by Taig and latter on
generalized by B.M. Irons revolutionized the finite elements analysis and it
also helped in properly mapping the curved boundaries. They brought out the
concept of mapping regular triangular and rectangular elements in natural

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coordinate system, to arbitrary shapes in global system.

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Isoparametric concept is developed based on the following three basic theorems:
Theorem I: If two adjacent elements are generated using shape functions, then
n
there is continuity at the common edge.
It may be observed that in the parent element, for any point on edge AB, shape
ra
functions Ni = 0 for nodes not on the edge and Ni exists for nodes on the edge.
Hence the final function is the same for the common edge AB in any two adjacent
elements, when we give the same coordinate values for the nodes on common
edge. Hence edge AB is contiguous in the adjacent elements.
Ki
Dr

Theorem II: It states, if the shape functions used are such that continuity of
displacement is represented in the parent coordinates, then the continuity
requirement, will be satisfied in the isoparametric elements also. The proof is
same as for theorem 1.
Theorem III: The constant derivative conditions and condition for rigid body are
satisfied for all isoparametric elements if,
Uniquess of Mapping
It is absolutely necessary that a point in parent element represents only one point in
the isoparametric element. Some times, due to violent distortion it is possible to
obtain undesirable situation of nonuniqueness. Some of such situations are shown
in Fig. If this requirement is violated determinant of Jacobiam matrix (to be
explained latter) becomes negative. If this happens coordinate transformation fails
and hence the program is to be terminated and mapping is corrected.

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ISO-SUPER-SUB Parametric elements
It is absolutely necessary that a point in parent element represents only one point in

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the isoparametric element. Some times, due to violent distortion it is possible to
obtain undesirable situation of nonuniqueness. Some of such situations are shown
in Fig. If this requirement is violated determinant of Jacobiam matrix (to be
explained latter) becomes negative. If this happens coordinate transformation fails
n
and hence the program is to be terminated and mapping is corrected.
ra
Ki
Dr

where [N] is quadratic shape function of serendipity family. The element in which
more number of nodes are used to define geometry compared to the number of
nodes used to define displacement are known as superparametric element. One
such element is shown in Fig b in which 8 nodes are used to define the geometry
and displacement is defined using only 4 nodes. In the stress analysis where
boundary is highly curved but stress gradient is not high, one can use these
elements advantageously.
Figure c shows a subparametric element in which less number of nodes are used to
define geometry compared to the number of nodes used for defining the
displacements. Such elements can be used advantageously in case of geometry
being simple but stress gradient high.
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