Error Estimation and Mesh Adaptativity Techniques for Structural and Fluid Mechanics Problems

Abstract

In this paper some adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) strategies for finite element analysis of structural and fluid flow problems are discussed. For structural problems two mesh optimality criteria based on the equal distribution of: (a) the global error, and (b) the specific error over the elements are studied. It has been found that the correct evaluation of the rate of convergence of the different error norms involved in the AMR procedure is essential to avoid oscillations in the refinement process. Extensions of these optimality criteria to fluid flow problems are presented. The behaviour of the different AMR strategies proposed is compared in the analysis of some structural and fluid flow problems.