ABSTRACT
The purpose of any analysis is to evaluate stresses at all points in a component when subjected to external or internal loads. Uniform mesh model is adequate when the stress variation in the component is small. However in areas of structural discontinuity or localised loads of high intensity such as thermal stresses during welding, uniform mesh model may not be appropriate. Such situations can be effectively modeled either by choosing fine mesh in the areas of high stress or by using higher degree displacement model for elements in the high stress areas. The latter option will require less computer memory and time. Compatibility conditions are not satisfied on the common edges if elements with linear displacement formulation (with 2 nodes along the common edge) are used on one side and elements with quadratic displacement formulation (with more than 2 nodes along the common edge) are used on the other side.
