Full vs Reduced Integration in Finite Element Analysis: Locking and Hourglassing Explained

What is numerical integration in finite element analysis, and how do full and reduced integration affect accuracy? This video explains how Gaussian quadrature and Gauss points are used in FEA to compute element stiffness, then compares full integration and reduced integration, including their benefits and failure modes. You’ll see why full integration can introduce artificial stiffness and locking, and how reduced integration alleviates locking, but may introduce hourglassing, a non-physical zero-energy deformation mode if not properly controlled. #fem #fea #engineering #engineeringmethod #mechanical #biomechanics #civil #aerospace #viral #viralvideo #themodelingguy #finiteelementmethod #finiteelementanalysis #stiffnessmatrix #stiffness #gaussian #gaussianquadrature #reducedintegration #fullintegration #hourglass