P-Version error estimation for linear elasticity

Abstract

An error estimator, formulated earlier for h-adaptive strategies, is extended for use in the p-version finite element analysis. The estimation of error is based on solving a series of local problems, based on patches consisting of elements surrounding each node, with prescribed homogeneous essential boundary conditions. Unlike the original approach in which a patch was constructed based on one element, each patch in the present scheme is automatically formed based on a number of elements surrounding a corresponding node. The present scheme, based on enhancing the degree of interpolation, provides a better estimate than the original h-scheme while still preserving the original lower bound property. The capability of the new scheme is investigated in some numerical examples in terms of its global and local performance. © 2008 The Author(s).