ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the use of the isoparametric transformation between physical space and computational space. Although the element is distorted in physical space, isoparametric transformation produces an element with a uniform local coordinate system that can treat boundaries that do not coincide with coordinate lines. The use of isoparametric elements permits the grid to be refined in regions where rapid variation is expected. The transformation from straight to curved sides is achieved through the use of isoparametric elements. In the case of the isoparametric element, both sets of global nodes are identical. The local coordinate relations are used to define a variable within an element and to define the global coordinates of a point within an element in terms of the global coordinates of the nodal points.
