Adaptive mesh using non-conventional 1D and 2D finite elements based on CUF

When dealing with complex structures with a several number of degrees of freedom (DOFs), it is useful trying to reduce the mesh for computational cost reasons, seeking not affecting the accuracy in results. The Finite Element Method can become very costly in calculations and time because of the use of very fine 3D meshes. A possible solution can be the application of the Adaptive Mesh (AM), which allows to concentrate the very fine mesh only in regions where critical conditions are present, in terms of geometrical or loads constrains. By exploiting the Node-Dependent Kinematic approach of the Carrera Unified Formulation and using Lagrange expanding functions, this work presents the application of non-conventional 1D and 2D elements for mesh refinement, offering a new and convenient technique to apply in the framework of AM. The static analysis of some typical study cases is performed and the results are provided in terms of displacements and stresses. The presented elements allow us to combine them in order to obtain a mesh refinement employing much less degrees of freedom with respect to the use of classical 3D finite elements.