Eight-node solid brick element high-order stiffness matrix template

Abstract: In this paper, the template will be developed from an assumed Stress Method, which its formulation is based on the Hellinger-Reissner principle developed according to Kang's study in 1986. The element stiffness is decomposed into a basic part that takes care of consistency and mix-ability, and a HO element stiffness part that takes care of stability (also known as rank sufficient) and accuracy. In the FE method, the HO stiffness is based on a displacement formulation, whereas the basis stiffness is method independent. To start, one should be familiar with the definition of a solid brick element. Solid brick element is three-dimensional finite elements that can model solid bodies and structures without any a priori geometric simplification.