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The uniqueness characteristics of mixed finite element methods in linear elasticity
Author(s) -
Boot J. C.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.1620240507
Subject(s) - uniqueness , mathematics , linear elasticity , elasticity (physics) , finite element method , quadratic equation , arch , mathematical analysis , structural engineering , engineering , geometry , materials science , composite material
Having established the non‐uniqueness, in general, of quadratic–linear functionals in elasticity, the investigative work on this topic is reviewed, whence it is noted that there is no existing formal approach for the identification of either the causes of singular solutions or suitable remedial measures that might ensure their elimination. A comparison of the weighted averages obtained from the single field and Reissner's principles is then used to identify a higher order uniqueness criterion for the latter. A detailed consideration of the application of the new condition to the arch equations demonstrates how and why singular solutions can be obtained, and thence how suitable forms of remedial action can often be identified. Finally, several other classes of problem are briefly investigated in order to show how the criterion can be used to explain the full range of known behaviour of the mixed methods.