Method of adaptive-gradient elements for computational mechanics

For tackling high-gradient, localized, or singular boundary value problems, the concept of an adaptive-gradient (AG) element family is introduced to advance the utility of discretization methods. Capable of encompassing regular and singular elements as special cases, a basic but versatile family of AG elements for multidimensional applications is derived whose gradient and singularity can be controlled parametrically to handle a wide variety of functional behavior with standard mesh configurations. As illustrations, examples of usage and performance in a set of linear and nonlinear mixed-boundary value problems are presented.