Shape function

[mdama]

How does FEM find shape functions? any numerical technique? And I want to see the shape function of an element in my model, how can I see it say in Abaqus?
Thanks

 

[FEA way]

There is a Theory Guide in Abaqus documentation but it doesn’t cover the basics of FEM. For that you can check some of the standard FEM theory textbooks such as those written by Cook, Bathe, Chandrupatla, Fish, Logan, Hutton or Ottosen but there’s a lot more to choose from.