The entire procedure of the finite element method involves the following steps:

  1. The given body is subdivided into an equivalent system of finite elements.
  2. Suitable displacement function is chosen.
  3. Element stiffness matrix is derived.
  4. Global stiffness matrix for the entire body is formulated.
  5. The algebraic equations thus obtained are solved to determine unknown displacements.
  6. Element strains and stresses are computed from the nodal displacements.