The synthesis of near‐optimum finite element meshes with interactive computer graphics

A new approach to the generation of near‐optimum finite element meshes is presented. Like other current methods, the procedure presented uses the results of a previous analysis to improve the idealization, but unlike other procedures a new element mesh is generated in each cycle with the aid of interactive computer graphics. The procedure generates near‐optimum two‐dimensional meshes on one cycle employing a grid optimization criterion based on variations in the strain energy density and using a software system which operates like an interactive finite element preprocessor. The example problems presented demonstrate the efficiency and flexibility of the approach.