FEA

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.