Element free formulation for connecting sub-domains modeled by finite elements

Abstract

Two methods were developed for analyzing problems with two adjacent sub-domains modeled by different kinds of elements in finite element method. Each sub-domain can be defined independently without the consideration of equivalent division with common nodes used for the interface. These two methods employ an individual interface to accomplish the compatibility. The MLSA method uses the moving least square approximation which is the basic formulation for Element Free Galerkin Method to formulate the interface. The displacement field assumed by this method does not pass through nodes on the common boundary. Therefore, nodes can be chosen freely for this method. The results show that the MLSA method has better approximation than traditional methods.