"h and p-method for numerical convergence"

Hi Everyone,

In the finite element (FE) analysis, h and p-type element type are used for convergence purpose. Choice of using either of the method depends on type of analysis, geometry structure to be analyzed, time constraint, computationl accuracy to be achieved and many more factors.

For the practicing engineer it is a question that can only really be answered by exploring the virtues of h and p-type elements in a finite element programme.

While meshing Methods available for solving finite element analysis refinement issues:

• h-method
• p-method
• r-method

h-method: This method increases the number of elements and hence decreases the element size while keeping the polynomial order of the constant.

p-method: This method increases the polynomial order of the interpolation function while keeping the number of elements constant.

r-Method :  This is a far less explored method. It neither increases the polynomial order nor decreases the element length. The mesh is refined simply by re-distributing the nodes in the domain such that the potential energy is reduced.

Usually the objective of the mesh refinement is to obtain sequential solutions that exhibit convergence to values representing exact solution.

As mentioned earlier, r-method is obsolete so only h and p method is compared in following image:

Feel free to discuss on this topic.

Have a Nice Day!!