Adaptive finite elements based on Carrera unified formulation for meshes with arbitrary polygons

Abstract. The new Adaptive Finite Elements presented are based on Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) that permits to implement 1D and 2D elements with 3D capabilities. In particular, by exploiting the node-dependent kinematic approach recently introduced and incorporating the FEM shape functions with the CUF kinematic assumptions in unique 3D approximating functions, it is demonstrated that new mesh capabilities can be obtained with the use of presented elements by easy implementation. A classical patch test is performed to investigate the mesh distortion sensitivity.