After obtaining the weak form, we have to

choose the suitable approximating functions

within a element. Observing the weak form in
equation (6.2), we see that highest order of the
derivative on v is 3, therefore, the
approximating function should be thrice
differentiable. A third degree polynomial is that
type function. Thus, one may take approximate
v within an element as
2vabxcxdx=+++ (6.5)
Inside the integral, the highest order of
derivative is 2, therefore, the overall
approximation should be C1 continuous. If we
take a 4-noded Lagrange element, it will not
guarantee that the slope at the end points will be
same from two adjacent elements. However, if
we obtain the constants a, b, c and d in equation
(6.5) by expressing them in terms of the slopes
and
76
deflections at the ends of the element, the
continuity of slope is ensured. In Galerkin FEM,
w is approximated in the same way as v . In the
next subsection, we shall express the
approximating functions in terms of nodal
values of slope and deflection.
6.2.3 HERMITIAN SHAPE FUNCTION
We denote the end points (nodes) of a beam
element by 1 and 2 and use them as subscript for
specifying the value at the point. The coordinate
of point 1 is 0 and that of 2 is h. Then,
112222ddd23dvavbxvabhchdhvbchdhx=⎛⎞=⎜
⎟⎝⎠=+++⎛⎞=++⎜⎟⎝⎠ (