Performance of a macro-FEM approach using global interpolation (Coons') functions in axisymmetric potential problems

Abstract

This paper extends a previously presented global functional set and investigates its performance in axisymmetric potential problems. The main idea is to build-up isoparametric finite elements based on the interpolation formula developed by S.A. Coons for arbitrary-shaped CAD patches. This formula allows the global interpolation of the potential within the whole domain and leads to “large” elements, called “macro-elements”. The degrees of freedom appear only at the element boundaries and can be used in the solution of both static and dynamic problems. Numerical results sustain the proposed method, which is successfully compared with conventional finite elements, boundary elements and exact analytical solutions.