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Title

Closed-Form Stiffness Matrices for the Linear Strain and Quadratic Strain Tetrahedron Finite Elements
Authors

P. Shiakolas
R. Nambiar
K. Lawrence
W. Rogers
Journal / Anthology

Computers & Structures
Year: 1992
Volume: 45
Issue: 2
Page range: 237-242
Description

In this paper the development of closed-form representations of element stiffness matrices and the equivalent nodal loads for the linear strain and quadratic strain straight edge tetrahedral elements are presented. The closed-form representation of the element stiffness matrix and the equivalent nodal loads were performed using symbolic algebra. Dramatic time savings result in the element stiffness matrix evaluation phase of the FEM process when the closed-form representation is used as compared with the use of Gaussian quadrature.
Subjects

*Engineering > Finite Element Methods
*Engineering > Mechanical and Structural Engineering