A novel algorithm for shape parameter selection in radial basis functions collocation method

Many Radial Basis Functions (RBFs) contain a free shape parameter that plays an important role for the application of Meshless method to the analysis of multilayered composite and sandwich plates. In most papers the authors end up choosing this shape parameter by trial and error or some other ad hoc means. In this paper a novel algorithm for shape parameter selection, based on a convergence analysis, is presented. The effectiveness of this algorithm is assessed by static analyses of laminated composite and sandwich plates. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.