ABSTRACT
We now look at some of the underlying mathematics of the more commonly used finite elements in PAFEC-FE. This will give an insight into the types of analysis that can be carried out and also the extent of the results that can be expected. The essence of this chapter, as indeed is the essence of finite element theory, is the stress-strain relationship in all of its various forms. It must be pointed out that in this chapter it is not possible to go into the detail of all the constitutive equations and thus some generalizations have to be accepted.
