Types of Elements in FEA

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I assume you already know the term "Meshing" in FEA. If you still want to read it then 
you can visit below link of my previous article


Ok ! lets come to the point. 

From the above image, you can imagine the representation of elements used in FEA.

Here are the details :

1D Elements :
  • 2 nodes
  • It is also referred as line elements.
  • Often used to represent the members, which are too long compared to the measurement of the cross section (L/r > 20).
  • Useful when bending is the root cause of failure.
  • Fundamental assumption : Changes in material properties along the cross section is negligible.
  • Used to represent rods, beams, trusses, cables, frames etc.

2D Elements :
  • 3, 4 nodes
  • It is also referred as shell elements.
  • Often used when thin sheet structures are under bending deformation.
  • Can consider 2D stress conditions and bending and shear deformations.
  • Fundamental assumptions : Changes in material properties along the thickness of the structure is negligible.
  • Used to represent sheet metals, plastic parts etc

3D Elements :
  • 4, 6, 8, 10 nodes
  • Also referred as solid elements.
  • Since actual task deal with 3D model using CAD, they are used in analysis the most.
  • Used to represent brick, solid parts etc.

Discrete Elements :
  • 2 nodes
  • Spring, Damper
Rigid Elements

Point : 
  • 1 node
  • Mass elements

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