Non-conventional formulations for the finite element method

The paper reports on alternative hybrid/mixed formulations being developed by the Structural Analysis Research Group of Institute Superior Tecnico. These formulations open the scope and increase the power of the finite element method by allowing different fields to be independently approximated, within certain consistency criteria, and by enhancing the use of a wide range of approximation functions. They have been applied to the analysis of 2-D problems, laminar structures and solids, using different constitutive relations, both in quasi-static and dynamic regimes. The fundamental properties of the formulations are identified and assessed and their performance is illustrated using simple, linear applications.