(1) Use Three or More Layers of Reduced 8-node Elements in the Thickness Direction
For example, if three layers of reduced elements are used, the computed tip deflection is 4.828 mm; if four layers, 4.581 mm. The computed deflection is reasonable, but they are still larger than the theoretical value (4.281 mm).
(2) Use Two or More Layers of Reduced 20-node Elements or One or More Layer of Fully Integrated 20-node Elements in the Thickness Direction
The reduced integration of linear 8-node solid elements leads to numerical difficulty called hourglassing because the reduced 8-node solid elements tend to be excessively flexible. For example, if two layers of reduced 8-node elements in the thickness direction are used, the computed tip deflection of the beam example in Shear Locking is 5.713 mm, which is much larger than 4.281 mm.