Question

What is a shape function?

(a) Interpolation function

(b) Displacement function

(c) Iterative function

(d) Both interpolation and displacement function

This question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

Query is from One Dimensional Problems in section One Dimensional Problems of Finite Element Method

Answer 1

The correct answer is (d) Both interpolation and displacement function

The best explanation: The shape function is a function which interpolates the solution between discrete values obtained at the mesh nodes. Lower order polynomials are chosen as shape functions. Shape function is a displacement function as well as interpolation function.