A new method for axisymmetrical linear and nonlinear problems

The problem of unacceptable inaccuracies sometimes observed in the fields computed with the classical axisymmetrical model (i.e., first-order finite elements with auxiliary potential V=A /r) is solved. Two methods are proposed to improve the accuracy of the results: isoparametrical second-order elements and first-order elements with a suitable coordinate transformation. The second method, using first-order elements, gives the exact solution for piecewise linear materials; it has also been generalized for nonlinear systems by defining a quadrilateral axis-dedicated element