Elementwise A Posteriori Error Estimation of Finite Element Solutins for Three-Dimensional Elastic Proflems and Plate Bending Problems.

Abstract

An a posteriori error estimation method for finite element solutions for 3-dimensional elastic problems and plate bending problems is presented. The method is successfully applied to 3-dimensional elastic problems and plate bending problems. In order to decrease the computing time and memory use, error is estimated element by element. The major difficulty in the elemestwise error estimation technique is satisfying the self-equilibrium condition of applied forces in 3-dimensional problems and plate bending problems. These forces are mainly due to traction discontinuity on the element boundaries. The difficulty is circumvented by employing an elementwise optimal procedure. It is also shown that a very accurate stress solution can be obtained by adding estimated error to the original finite element solution.