Polynomial wavelets in hybrid-mixed stress finite element models

This paper reports the use of polynomial wavelets as approximation functions in hybrid‐mixed stress finite element models applied to the solution of plane elasticity problems. The stress and displacement fields in the domain and the displacements on the static boundary are independently approximated. The kinematic boundary conditions are locally satisfied. All remaining equations are enforced in a weighted residual form so designed as to ensure that the discrete model embodies the relevant properties of continuum systems, namely the static‐kinematic duality and elastic reciprocity. A set of numerical applications is presented to illustrate the use of the hybrid‐mixed model and to assess its efficiency and accuracy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.