types of finite element analysis
FEA Element Types. Elements fall into four major categories: 2D line elements, 2D planar elements, and 3D solid elements which are all used to define geometry; and special elements used to apply boundary conditions. For example special elements might include gap elements to specify a gap between two pieces of geometry. Spring elements are used to apply a specific spring constant at a specified node or set of nodes. Rigid elements are used to define a rigid connection to or in a model. The figures below show nodes in red and the element in translucent blue except for the beam element which is bright blue. The most common geometry elements are show below. Most FEA tools support additional element types as well as somewhat different implementations of even these common elements.