The purpose this reference is to help you understand, select, and use elements for your analysis.

The reference begins with a general description of the elements, focusing on common features or properties, and including information about how elements, loads, coordinate systems, and output are defined. See General Element Features.

Elements are then introduced by classifications based on dimensions, application or discipline, and elements with special properties and shapes. See Element Classifications.

Subsequent documentation includes specific information about each element class, such as continuum stress, shells, beams, pipes, and others. Basic assumptions, advantages, and limitations of each element class are discussed. Common formulation and element usage techniques are also described.

Finally, a complete library of detailed element descriptions, arranged in order by element number, is presented. The element library is the definitive reference for element documentation. See Part I: Element Library.

This reference is not a primary source of conceptual or procedural information. See the appropriate analysis guides for that information.