| Solution Variable | Variation over Element | Element Continuity |
|---|---|---|
| Axial Displacement (u) | Linear Polynomial | Continuous |
 |
||
| Deformation (Δ) | Constant | Continuous |
 |
||
| Internal Axial Force (f) | Constant | Continuous |
 |
||
After a numerical solution has been obtained from a FEM model, it
must be interpreted to fully understand it's meaning. Each type
of element has it's own solution characteristics, which vary with
the element type. The sign
convention associated with the solution must be followed. Below is an
overview of the solution characteristics on the element and assembled mesh levels for
the one-dimensional spring
element.
| Solution Variable | Variation over Element | Element Continuity |
|---|---|---|
| Axial Displacement (u) | Linear Polynomial | Continuous |
|
|
||
| Deformation (Δ) | Constant | Continuous |
|
|
||
| Internal Axial Force (f) | Constant | Continuous |
|
|
||
| Solution Variable | Variation over Assemblage | Inter-Element Continuity |
|---|---|---|
| Axial Displacement (u) | Piecewise Linear Polynomial | Continuous |
 |
||
| Deformation (Δ) | Piecewise Constant | Discontinuous |
 |
||
| Axial Force (f) | Piecewise Constant | Discontinuous |
 |
||
