Efficient finite element analysis using mesh superposition technique

A mesh superposition technique is presented for an efficient finite element analysis. The formulation of the method is given for both single-field assumed displacement finite element models and two-field assumed strain finite element models. Refined local mesh is superimposed on global mesh for the region of interest. It is an adaptive mesh refinement method, which allows local refinement of the mesh without introducing transition region or multi-point constraints. By applying appropriate boundary conditions on the local superimposed mesh, singularity in the global stiffness matrix can be avoided and inter-element compatibility conditions can be satisfied. Effectiveness of the present technique is demonstrated by means of numerical examples of linear static, dynamic and buckling problems of elasticity. Moreover, effectiveness of the present procedure is tested for problems with curved geometries and with distorted grids. Also, various solutions schemes are investigated for effective analysis using the present method. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.