An adaptive finite element (FE) method for the solution of three-dimen
sional elasto-static problems is described. The computational domain i
s represented by an assembly of tetrahedral elements and the mesh adap
tation is achieved by a 3D bisection method using an error estimator p
rocedure coupled with an automatic 3D mesh generator. The performance
of the method is demonstrated using a number of examples. (C) 1998 Joh
n Wiley & Sons, Ltd.