Moving least-squares finite element method

A new computational method here called moving least-squares finite element method (MLSFEM) is presented, in which the shape functions of the parametric elements are constructed using moving least-squares approximation. While preserving some excellent characteristics of the meshless methods such as elimination of the volumetric locking in near-incompressible materials and giving accurate strains and stresses near the boundaries of the problem, the computational time is decreased by constructing the meshless shape functions in the stage of creating parametric elements and then utilizing them for any new problem. Moreover, it is not necessary to have knowledge about the full details of the shape function generation method in future uses. The MLSFEM also eliminates another drawback of meshless methods associated with the lack of accordance between the integration cells and the problem boundaries. The method is described for two-dimensional problems, but it is extendable for three-dimensional problems too. The MLSFEM does not require the complex mesh generation. Excellent results can be obtained even using a simple mesh. A technique is also presented for isoparametric mapping which enables best possible mapping via a constrained optimization criterion. Several numerical examples are analysed to show the efficiency and convergence of the method.