An element is a pipe section between two nodes - start and end nodes. Nodes can contain node elements (bend, tee, valve, restraint, expansion joint, etc.).
Elements can be separated into several types:
Beam Element (Structural)
Equivalent stress is calculated for two element end cross-sections 1, 2 (fig. 1). Stress is not calculated in intermediate cross-sections. To calculate stress at intermediate cross-sections, insert intermediate nodes at desired points.
Fig. 1. Cross-sections for calculating element stress