Method and apparatus for connecting finite element meshes and performing simulations therewith

This invention relates to the field of finite element simulations, specifically finite element simulations of problem spaces comprising two regions meshed with non-conforming meshes. The present invention provides a method of connecting dissimilar finite element meshes. A first mesh, designated the master mesh, and a second mesh, designated the slave mesh, each have interface surfaces proximal the other. Each interface surface has a corresponding interface mesh comprising a plurality of interface nodes. Each slave interface node is assigned new coordinates locating the interface node on the interface surface of the master mesh. The slave interface surface is further redefined to be the projection of the slave interface mesh onto the master interface surface.