C-1-continuous generalised parabolic blending elements in the boundary element method

In the finite element and boundary element methods, one important source of error due to approximation arises from the form of the parametric represen tation used for defining the distribution of field functions over the domai n and the topological positions of the domain geometry. In this paper, the standard C-1-continuous Overhauser elements are modified to generalised par abolic blending (GPB) elements to make them adaptable to nonuniform meshing of the domain. These elements are applied to three-dimensional Boundary El ement Method for potential problems and the results are compared with those of standard Overhauser elements. GPB elements ensure first derivative cont inuity where necessary and functional value continuity at all points, while they do not propagate local disturbances and do not require field derivati ves at nodal points. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.