CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS COLLOQUIUM

                  UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER



TITLE:   The h-p finite element modeling of thin structures.
 

SPEAKER: Manil Suri, Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
         University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore
         

DATE:    Monday, October 21, 1996

PLACE:   Math Conference Room - Suite 540 
         UCD Building, 1250 14th St., Denver

TIME:    noon (Refreshments served at 11:45 am)



ABSTRACT

A number of problems that arise in mechanical engineering involve
thin structures, such as plates and shells. Using the model problem of 
the deflection of a plate, we will survey various issues that arise in the 
finite element approximation of such structures. Primary among these issues is 
the phenomenon of numerical locking, which occurs when the thickness of the 
plate is very small. We will discuss how h, p and h-p methods (both standard 
and mixed) can overcome locking effects. Another issue that arises is the 
presence of boundary layers. We will show how the h-p version can be used to 
approximate these at an exponentially convergent rate. We will also discuss 
the resolution of other problems, such as control of modeling error and the 
approximation of singular components of the solution. Our talk will show
that programs with h-p capabilities are extremely well-suited to deal with 
all the above-mentioned problems.