ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with finite element method (FEM) analysis of rubber components where mesh enhancements are used. It also brings up the subject of fracture mechanics in the case of large deformations and large strains. Analysis of rubber components frequently involves very large deformations. This may call for the need to enhance the finite element mesh during the analysis. The chapter discusses two methods for this purpose: local mesh refinement and global remeshing. With local mesh refinement certain elements are subdivided into smaller elements. This is useful for cases where the mesh distortions are not bad, but one wants a refined mesh in certain areas due to for instance large gradients in stresses. The mesh refinement criterion is chosen such that the elements with the largest strain energy are refined. Other common choices for the criterion are areas in contact and error estimation.
