Improving the eigenvalue using higher order elements without re-solving

High order finite element have a greater convergence rate than low order finite elements, and in general produce more accurate results. These elements have the disadvantage of being more computationally expensive and often require a longer time to solve the finite element analysis. High order elements have been used in this paper to obtain a new eigenvalue solution with out re-solving the new model. The optimisation of the eigenvalue via the differentiation of the Rayleigh quotient has shown that the additional nodes associated with the higher order elements can be condensed out and solved using the original finite element solution. The higher order elements can then be used to calculate an improved eigenvalue for the finite element analysis.