A Study of Coupling the Boundary and Finite Element Methods in Two-Dimensional Elastostatics.

This report investigates the potential advantage of a combined boundary element-finite element solution approach by examining the behavior of coupled elastostatic domains. A theoretical investigation of coupling the displacement-based finite element method with the indirect boundary element method was conducted and the results were implemented within a microcomputer framework. It is believed that a combined finite element and boundary element computer program could reduce the high cost now associated with nonlinear finite element programs, but it is shown that further work is needed to make the boundary element method more effective. A quadratic, isoparametric boundary element, which would allow a better evaluation of accuracy and cost in the solution of coupled elastostatic problems, should be investigated. Additional keywords: Numerical analysis, Integral equations.