User Area > Advice
Using elements of different interpolation order
High order elements have a shape
function which enables a more accurate replication of load effects
across a single element. Therefore, in general, a greater number
of low order elements are required to obtain a given accuracy in a
model.
However, low order elements are computationally cheaper, that is,
they require less disk space during solution and reduce solution
times. For example HX8 elements are significantly computationally
cheaper than the higher order HX20 element. Generally, enhanced strain elements provide an effective solution
in comparison with their higher order counterparts. For
example, a mesh of QPN8 elements may frequently be replaced
with QPN4M elements to reduce disk usage without significant
accuracy reduction.
It is not always appropriate to use a lower order elements - a mesh
refinement check is required to ensure the accuracy of results is
acceptable.
More about interpolation functions or
"shape functions"
More about why mesh refinement
is so important
How to control mesh refinement
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