Finite-Element Grid Improvement by Minimization of Stiffness Matrix Trace.

Abstract

A new and simple method of finite element grid improvement is presented. The objective is to improve the accuracy of the analysis. The procedure is based on a minimization of the trace of the stiffness matrix. For a broad class of problems this minimization is seen to be equivalent to minimizing the potential energy. The method is illustrated with the classical tapered bar problem examined earlier by Prager and by Masur. Identical results are obtained. Keywords: Finite element analysis; Mesh; Grid optimization; and Transmissions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA190291

Entities

People

  • Fred B. Oswald
  • Madan G. Kittur
  • Ronald L. Huston

Organizations

  • Glenn Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Algorithms
  • Army Aviation
  • Differential Equations
  • Displacement
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Error Analysis
  • Errors
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Geometry
  • Grids
  • Heat Transfer
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Potential Energy
  • Stiffness

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Operations Research
  • Structural Dynamics.