Numerics FEA interpolation order vs element number

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member 428835
Hi PF!

Can someone help me understand the difference between interpolation order (linear, quadratic, etc) vs element number?

Like, if we had a 1D beam (for simplicity) what's the difference between using 1 element and a quadratic interpolation vs 2 elements but a linear interpolation?

Not sure if this is posted in the right spot?
 
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In the end the choice between more low-order elements or fewer high-order elements will depend on your application, and the stress gradients in the area you're analyzing. Fewer high-order elements can be more efficient in terms of solving time and model size, but it may still be necessary to have a large number of them depending on your goals.

Here is some additional reading on the topic: http://www.padtinc.com/blog/the-focus/mid-side-nodes-do-they-really-help
 
Mech_Engineer said:
In the end the choice between more low-order elements or fewer high-order elements will depend on your application, and the stress gradients in the area you're analyzing. Fewer high-order elements can be more efficient in terms of solving time and model size, but it may still be necessary to have a large number of them depending on your goals.

Here is some additional reading on the topic: http://www.padtinc.com/blog/the-focus/mid-side-nodes-do-they-really-help
Thanks!