Finite Element Methods basic question Number of elements in

Finite Element Methods basic question. Number of elements in a linear model vs quadratic model?

See attached sketch to better understand my question. Very straight forward question on the Number of elements in a 1D linear model vs quadratic model? Linear model has two nodes per element, so total of 6 nodes for all 5 elements. Quadratic has 3 nodes per element, total of 11 nodes but I need to know HOW MANY ELEMENTS DOES THE QUADRATIC HAVE COMPARED TO THE LINEAR THAT HAS 5 ELEMENTS? OR better stated... how are the elements in a quadratic model counted? Are they counted as 3 nodes per element or 2 nodes element as in the linear model case?

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Solution

The number of element doesn\'t change while converting from linear model to quadratic model.

The Element is between the two nodes in an linear model but when the shape is degenrative to get the more accurate result mid note is added to the element between the two nodes.

For most non-structural analyses (thermal, magnetic, etc.), the linear elements are nearly as good as the higher order elements, and are less expensive to use. Degenerate elements (triangles and tetrahedral) usually produce accurate results in non-structural analyses.