Local and global smoothing of discontinuous finite element functions using a least squares method

Abstract

Abstract The concepts and potential advantages of local and global least squares smoothing of discontinuous finite element functions are introduced. The relationship between local smoothing and the ‘reduced’ integration' technique is established. Examples are presented to illustrate the application of the two smoothing techniques to the finite element stresses from several structural analysis problems. The paper concludes with some practical recommendations for discontinuous finite element function smoothing.