This paper gives a series of examples which demonstrate to the stress analyst the value of high-order curvilinear finite elements. The examples given show the numbers of elements which are required to obtain a given accuracy in two-dimensional problems. It is shown that the curvilinear isoparametric family is extremely sensitive to certain types of distortion from the basic triangular or quadrilateral shape. Another new family of curvilinear elements is presented; these elements are slightly less accurate than isoparametric elements when the sides are mildly curved but are considerably better when the sides become greatly distorted.
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