Understanding FEDOF in easifem (Part 1)
FEDOF
FEDOF denotes the finite element degree of freedom. The concept of degree of freedom depends upon the type of finite element approximation (basis functions) used for the problem.
These series of notes will present the FEDOF concept for for H1 conforming Hierarchical and Lagrange basis functions.
- For Lagrange polynomials the degree of freedoms are associatd with the nodes of the mesh. In this case, a node implies a point in the mesh. This point can be a vertex, somewhere on the edge, face, or interior of the element.
- For Hierarchical polynmials the degree of freedoms are associated with the modes. They can be associated with nodes, edges, faces and interior of the elements. In this case the node has an abstract meaning. But we will associcate them with the vertex, edge, face, and interior basis functions.
- In the case of H1 conforming basis functions with Hierarchical polynomials, the orientation of edge and faces with respect to the master element is very important. However, for Lagrange polynomials the orientation is not so much needed if we generate the nodes correctly for higher order mesh.
