Question

In the Finite Element Method, the vector of internal forces is computed only when the element falls on the boundary of the domain on which tractions are absent.

(a) True

(b) False

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I would like to ask this question from Plane Elasticity in division Plane Elasticity of Finite Element Method

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) False

Easy explanation: In Finite Element Analysis, internal load vector Q is computed only when the element falls on the boundary of the domain on which tractions are specified (i.e., known). Computation of Q involves the evaluation of line integrals (for any type of element). In practice, it is convenient to express the surface traction t in the element coordinates. In that case, Q can be evaluated in the element coordinates and then transformed to the global coordinates for assembly.