Polygonal finite element formulations for 2d linear-elastic FE problems

Polygonal finite elements provide great flexibility meshing complex structures and for the refinement of meshes. The actual task in the development of these elements is to offer adequate and secure numerical results compared with regular finite elements at low computational costs. Particulary, finding an efficient and appropriate interpolation of the arbitrary element domain exhibits strong difficulties. Based on the general interpolant equation three element formulations are shown that use different interpolation strategies. The elements' performances are shown with a numerical example considering 2d linear elasticity. The results of the different element formulations are compared among each other, with analytical as well as with regular elements' results. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)