Nature of Finite Element Solutions FE Model-A mathematical model of the real structure,based on many approximations. Real Structures-Infinite number of nodes(physical points),thus infinite number of DOFs. FE Model-finite number of nodes,thus finite number DOFs. Displacement field is controlled by the shape functions and the values at a limited number of nodes. Stiffening Effect: FE model is stiffer than the real structure. In general,displacement results are smaller in magnitudes than the exact values.Nature of Finite Element Solutions • FE Model – A mathematical model of the real structure, based on many approximations. • Real Structures – Infinite number of nodes (physical points), thus infinite number of DOFs. • FE Model – finite number of nodes, thus finite number DOFs. • Displacement field is controlled by the shape functions and the values at a limited number of nodes. Stiffening Effect: • FE model is stiffer than the real structure. • In general, displacement results are smaller in magnitudes than the exact values