Transition finite elements for three‐dimensional stress analysis

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents isoparametric formulation for the three‐dimensional transition finite elements. The transition finite elements are necessary for applications requiring the use of three‐dimensional isoparametric solid elements and the curved shell elements. These elements provide proper connections between the two portions of the structure modelled with three‐dimensional solids and the curved shell elements. The element properties are derived and presented in detail. Numerical examples are also presented to demonstrate the accuracy and the applications of such elements in three‐dimensional stress analysis.