The Constraint Method for Solid Finite Elements.
Abstract
The p-version of the finite element method is a new approach to finite element analysis which has been demonstrated to lead to significant computational savings, often by orders of magnitude (This approach was formerly called the constraint method; the new term p-version is more descriptive). Conventional aproaches (called the h-version) generally employ low order polynomicals as basis functions. Accuracy is achieved by suitably refining the approximating mesh. The p-version uses polynomials of arbitrary order p greater than or equal to 2 for problems in plan elasticity where CO continuity is required and polynomials of order p greater than or equal to 5 for problems in plate bending where Cl continuity is required. Hierarchic elements which implement the p-version efficiently are used together with precomputed arrays of elemental stiffness matrices. CO solid elements of various shapes have been formulated. A major result that has recently been obtained on the convergence of the p-version of the finite element method is: in polynomial regions, the p-version converges approximately twice as fast as the h-version. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA080101
Entities
People
- I. Norman Katz
Organizations
- University of Washington