Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of B-spline elements. The results are compared with analytical solutions as well as traditional finite element solutions to demonstrate the ability of B-spline elements to represent continuous stress and strain through out analysis domain. Convergence studies show that B-spline elements can provide accurate solutions for many engineering problems with fewer numbers of elements and nodes as compared to traditional FEM. Solution structure for treatment of material boundary is validated by performing a convergence analysis on a problem involving circular inclusion in a square matrix and by determining effective properties of fiber reinforced composite. Solution structure for local grid refinement is validated by analyzing classical stress concentration problems.

An exploration of the new weighted approximation techniques which result from the combination of the finite element method and B-splines.

The Feature-Driven Method for Structural Optimization details a novel structural optimization method within a CAD framework, integrating structural optimization and feature-based design. The book presents cutting-edge research on advanced structures and introduces the feature-driven structural optimization method by regarding engineering features as basic design primitives. Consequently, it presents a method that allows structural optimization and feature design to be done simultaneously so that feature attributes are preserved throughout the design process. The book illustrates and supports the effectiveness of the method described, showing potential applications through numerical modeling techniques and programming. This volume presents a high-performance optimization method adapted to engineering structures—a novel perspective that will help engineers in the computation, modeling and design of advanced structures. - Integrates two independent methods - structural optimization and feature-based design—into one framework - Adapts the high performance optimization method to the practice of designing engineering structures - Provides numerical evidence for the effectiveness and potential of the methods described - Works within a computer-aided design framework to develop a novel structural optimization methodology - Presents engineering features as the basic design primitives in structural optimization

Written by two well-respected experts in the field, The Finite Element Method for Boundary Value Problems: Mathematics and Computations bridges the gap between applied mathematics and application-oriented computational studies using FEM. Mathematically rigorous, the FEM is presented as a method of approximation for differential operators that are mathematically classified as self-adjoint, non-self-adjoint, and non-linear, thus addressing totality of all BVPs in various areas of engineering, applied mathematics, and physical sciences. These classes of operators are utilized in various methods of approximation: Galerkin method, Petrov-Galerkin Method, weighted residual method, Galerkin method with weak form, least squares method based on residual functional, etc. to establish unconditionally stable finite element computational processes using calculus of variations. Readers are able to grasp the mathematical foundation of finite element method as well as its versatility of applications. h-, p-, and k-versions of finite element method, hierarchical approximations, convergence, error estimation, error computation, and adaptivity are additional significant aspects of this book.

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The finite element method since its development in the 1950's has been used extensively in solving complex problems involving partial differential equations. The conventional finite element methods use piecewise Lagrange interpolation functions for approximating displacements. The aim of this research is to explore finite element analysis using B-spline interpolation. B-splines are piecewise defined polynomial curves which provide higher continuity of derivatives than piecewise Lagrange interpolation functions. This work focuses on the implementation and comparison of the B-spline finite elements in contrast with the conventional finite elements. This thesis observes that the use of B-spline interpolation functions can reduce the computational cost significantly. It is an efficient technique and can be conveniently implemented into the existing finite element programs.

Distributed by Elsevier Science on behalf of Science Press. This book discusses the accuracy of various finite element approximations and how to improve them, with the help of extrapolations and super convergence's post-processing technique. The discussion is based on asymptotic expansions for finite elements and finally reduces to the technique of integration by parts, embedding theorems and norm equivalence lemmas. The book is also devoted to explaining the origin of theorems. Masterly exposition of the accuracy and improvement of finite element methods, highlighting the postprocessing Emphasis on understanding of higher knowledge Accessible to students, engaging for experts and professionals Written by leading Chinese mathematicians, available internationally for the first time