Derivation of stiffness matrices for problems in plane elasticity by Galerkin's method

Solution of plane elastic problems by piecewise linear approximation is outlined. This method is based upon Galerkin error distribution technique, which leads to simultaneous algebraic equations identical to those associated with the Finite Element Method. In addition, this method permits definition of the discretization error, which can be computed once the displacement components are known. Properties of the interpolation functions are discussed, and a sequence of internally compatible plane elastic elements is defined.