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### Eight-node brick element (C3D8)

This is a general purpose linear brick element, fully integrated (2x2x2 integration points). The shape functions can be found in [11]. The node numbering follows the convention of Figure 8 and the integration points are numbered according to Figure 9. This latter information is important since element variables printed with the *EL PRINT keyword are given in the integration points.

Figure 8: 8-node brick element

Figure 9: 2x2x2 integration point scheme in hexahedral elements

Although the structure of the element is straightforward, it should not be used in the following situations:

- due to the full integration, the element will behave badly for isochoric material behavior, i.e. for high values of Poisson's coefficient or plastic behavior.
- the element tends to be too stiff in bending, e.g. for slender beams or thin plates under bending. [27].