An SPIM-FEM adapting coupling approach for the analysis of quasi-brittle media.

This paper presents an adaptive coupling approach between meshless Smoothed Point Interpolation Methods (SPIMs) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) for the physically nonlinear analysis of quasi-brittle media. The nonlinear behaviour is represented by scalar damage and smeared-crack models. In the proposed adaptive coupling approach, the domain is initially discretised with a relatively coarse FEM mesh. During the solution process, FEM patches are replaced by meshless discretisations according to certain selection criteria. Refinement is also considered. • A new meshless-FEM adapting coupling is proposed. • The Kronecker delta property of smoothed point interpolation methods allows a straightforward coupling. • After each mesh modification the iterative process is repeated to guarantee the equilibrium of the model. • The irreversibility of damage is guaranteed throughout the adaptive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]