Selective refinement of a finite element mesh for improved accuracy

Abstract

The feasibility of refining a finite element by dividing only selected elements is examined. A method is developed which selects these elements so as to maximize the strain energy of the refined mesh. Repeated application of the method results in the generation of a series of refined meshes. The method is completely automated and becomes an integral part of a finite element program.

The feasibility of the method is demonstrated through the study of several example problems with concentrated loads. Extension of the method for use with meshes subjected to distributed loadings would require the development of additional criteria for selecting the elements to be refined.