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102 Chapter 6 Three-Dimensional Solid Analysis
F
and z coordinates, respectively; and is the element vector
containing the nodal forces in the x, y and z coordinates.
Sizes of the element matrices and the number of
element equations depend on the element types selected. Popular
element types are described in the following section.
6.2.2 Element Types
Tetrahedral and hexahedral elements are often used in
the analysis. The tetrahedral element contains four or 10 nodes
while the hexahedral element may consist of eight or 20 nodes as
shown in the figures. Elements with more number of nodes
provide higher solution accuracy but require extra computational
time. For complicated three-dimensional solid models, the
tetrahedral elements are normally used because the mesh is easier
to generate. For model with simple geometry, the hexahedral
elements are preferred because they can provide a more accurate
solution accuracy.
