Review for Examination 2


  • Higher order elements.
    • Derive shape functions for all elements covered in the text.
    • Make a sketch of each shape function.
  • Isoparametric elements.
    • Outline the mapping procedure used in a code to obtain a stiffness matrix.
    • Given an element in the xy plane, and the nodal values of a function, determine the gradient of that function with respect to x and y.
  • General second order PDE.
    • Derive the weak form of the equation.
    • Explain all types of boundary conditions.
  • Program steady.m
    • Symbolically write each component of the stiffness matrix.
    • Explain a given section of the code.
  • Transient analysis
    • Derive the weak form of the equation.
    • Explain the solution procedure.
    • Discuss stability and when it is an issue.
    • Explain the lumped capacitance matrix. Why and how is it used?
    • Explain a given section of the code.