A note on universal matrices for triangular finite elements for the quasi†harmonic equation

An algorithm to generate universal matrices for plane triangular finite elements for the general ‘quasi‐harmonic’ equation is presented. For every member of the triangle family three numerical universal matrices are obtained which are independent of the size, shape and ‘material’ properties of the element. Of these, two are basic and the third can be generated from one of these two. The element ‘stiffness’ matrix is conveniently generated by manipulating these two basic matrices taking into account the size, shape and material properties of the element in a simple manner. Copyright © 1983 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd