1. The general procedure for the finite element method involves discretizing the domain into elements, selecting displacement functions to approximate displacements within each element, and establishing relationships between displacements, strains, and stresses to set up the governing equations.
2. A displacement function is assumed for each element to describe the displacement at any point within the element in terms of nodal displacements. Shape functions are developed from the displacement functions.
3. The strain-displacement relationship is developed by taking derivatives of the displacement functions. Stress is related to strain through constitutive equations for linear elastic behavior.