Iterative Global/Local Finite Element Analysis

In spite of the advances in computer technology, there is still a need for more computationally efficient methods for performing stress analysis. One approach which is receiving increasing attention is global/local analysis. Such analyses can take a variety of forms. The form described herein uses two distinct meshes (one global and one local), but retains the same level of accuracy as one would obtain if one was to use a single refined global mesh. The accuracy is retained by using an iterative procedure to enforce equilibrium between the global and local regions. The procedure was tested for two configurations. The good performance observed indicates that the iterative global/local procedure warrants further examination.