Question

Linear combination of these shape functions represents a ______

(a) Square surface

(b) Linear surface

(c) Plane surface

(d) Combinational surface

The question was asked in semester exam.

This intriguing question comes from Two Dimensional Problems in section Two Dimensional Problems using Constant Strain Triangles of Finite Element Method

Answer 1

Right choice is (c) Plane surface

To elaborate: A constant strain element is used to provide an approximate solution to the 2D domain to the exact solution of the given differential equation. The shape function is a function which interpolates the solution between the discrete values obtained at the mesh nodes.