Smooth interfacing of finite element models

A technique for smoothing the transition between structural components modelled with dissimilar finite element meshes is presented. The interface mismatch is assigned a potential of dislocation, which is minimized with respect to selected kinematic parametes of the mating surface. This leads to linear constraints between the caididate representations of the mating surface which essentially dictate a least‐square error in dislocaiton. The constraints are enforced by the Lagrange multiplier or reduced stiffness technique. Numerical results indicate gradual transition in the predicted stresses neighbouring the interface. Existing computer codes which permit multipoint constraint specifications are readily available to implement the technique.