This paper on "Error Estimation and Mesh Adaptivity Techniques for Plate and Shell Problems" was presented at the 3rd International Conference on Quality Assurance and Standards in Finite Element Analysis - 10-12 September 1991, Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

Summary

In this paper some adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) strategies for plate and shell analysis using an assumed shear strain thick plate/facet shell element are discussed. Two mesh optimality criteria based on the equal distribution of: (a) the global error, and (b) the specific error over the elements are studied. It has been found that the correct evaluation of the rate of convergence of the different error norms involved in the AMR procedure is essential to avoid oscillations in the refinement process. The behaviour of the different AMR strategies proposed is compared in two plate and shell problems.