An rh-method for efficient adaptive finite element analysis

An rh‐method, which combines r‐ and h‐methods, is proposed for cost‐effective adaptive FE analysis in two‐dimensional linear elastic problems. Through various numerical test examples, the rh‐method is compared with the h‐method. From these examples it is concluded that the rh‐method has the advantages of both the r‐ and h‐methods, so that the rh‐method can minimize the computational time required for the adaptive analysis. The algorithm of the rh‐method can be implemented easily in existing h‐adaptive FE codes, since the r‐method is independently combined with the h‐method. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.