A straightforward structure to construct shape functions for variable p-order meshes

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Elsevier, Vol 147, pp.209-233, 1997

MESHING
RESEARCH
CORNER

Scientific Computation Research Center. and Rensselaer Rotorcraft Technology Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Troy NY 12180-3590, USA

Abstract
This paper describes a method for specifying variable p-order meshes based on the topological hierarchy of mesh entities defining the finite elements. A decomposition of p-version mesh entity shape functions into a product of a function defined over the mesh entity and a blending function defined over the elements that the mesh entity bounds is presented. The decomposed shape functions allow the effective construction of the shape functions and derivatives needed to construct element matrices for variable p-enrichment.