Question

In the weak formulation of the plane elasticity equations, even though the methods, the principle of virtual displacements and the three-step weak formulation, give, mathematically different finite element models, they are the same in their algebraic forms.

(a) True

(b) False

I had been asked this question in quiz.

Enquiry is from Plane Elasticity in portion Plane Elasticity of Finite Element Method

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) False

The explanation is: There are two different ways of constructing the weak forms and associated finite element model of the plane elasticity equations. The first one is the principle of virtual displacements, while the second is a three-step procedure to obtain a weak form of governing differential equations. Of course, both methods give, mathematically, the same finite element model, but differ in their algebraic forms.