This paper on "Towards a Non-Locking Finite Element" was presented at the 5th International Conference on Reliability of Finite Element Methods for Engineering Applications - 10-12 May 1995, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Summary

The limited accuracy of finite element calculations does not only depend on the level of refinement of the mesh, but also on the quality by which the shape functions of the finite element can approximate the actual stress and strain fields within the element. In this paper the reasons for locking of the 4-node compatible element are identified. It is also shown, that the 4-node incompatible finite element can lock. Some suggestions are given, which may enable to avoid locking.