Coupled analysis of independently modeled finite element subdomains

A new method for analyzing plate and shell structures with two or more independently modeled finite element subdomains is presented, assessed, and demonstrated. This method provides a means of coupling local and global models whose grid points do not coincide along their common interface. In general, the method provides a means of coupling structural components (e.g., wing and fuselage) which may have been modeled by different analysis. In both cases, the need for transition modeling, which is often tedious and complicated, is eliminated. The coupling is accomplished through an interface for which three formulations are considered and presented. These formulations are: collocation, least-squares, and hybrid variational. Several benchmark problems were analyzed and, based on the results, the hybrid variational formulation is identified as the preferred formulation in that it provides the most accurate solutions.