On the Efficiency of the Finite Element Method in the Form of the Classical Mixed Method

AbstractThis paper presents the arguments for the efficiency of the Finite Element Method in the form of the classical mixed method being developed by the authors. The example of a bended plate shows that the system of governing equations of the FEM in this form has the same order as the system of equations of the FEM in displacements. The analysis algorithm is similar to that of the analysis by the FEM in displacements. Since the primary unknowns include both displacements and forces, the analysis returns the values of nodal deflections and bending moments. Test example illustrates good convergence of the numerical results to the exact solution. The further development of this form of the FEM as an alternative to the FEM in displacements is recommended