Error identification in individual finite elements: A path to the integration of continuum and computational mechanics

Abstract

A procedure for extracting equivalent continuum parameters, i.e., (EI)equiv, from skeletal structures has been extended. This procedure which exploits a direct symbolic relationship between the approximation polynomials used in computational mechanics and the equations of continuum mechanics has been used to unify and improve the finite element and finite difference methods. This, in turn, allowed error measures to be put on a solid theoretical foundation and has led to the development of new methods of error identification.

Keywords: Integration, Continuum, Computational Mechanics, Elements