StressCheck uses the p-version of the finite element method. The utilization of the p-version in finite element analysis was pioneered by Dr. Barna Szabó during his tenure at Washington University in St. Louis. The p-version finite element method spans a space of high order polynomials by nodeless basis functions, chosen approximately orthogonal for numerical stability. Since not all interior basis functions need to be present, the p-version finite element method can create a space that that contains all polynomials up to a given degree with many fewer degrees of freedom.

Basis Functions for a StressCheck Quadrilateral Element

In practice, the name p-version means that accuracy is increased by increasing the order of the approximating polynomials (thus, p) rather than decreasing the mesh size, h. Thus, to check for solution convergence by increasing the number of degrees of freedom in a given model, the shape function polynomial level is increased rather than remeshing with more elements, which is the standard FEA tool method. In StressCheck the maximum p-level is set to eight.  For more information and FAQ's on p-version FEM, visit the StressCheck Methodology and p-FEM References.

Visit our Technical Resource Library to find more information and documents on the theory and research behind StressCheck software products.