p-Version interface elements in global/local analysis

When performing global=local analysis, the issue of connecting dissimilar meshes often arises, especially when re>nement is performed. One method of connecting these dissimilar meshes is to use interface elements. Curve interface elements, to connect dissimilar p-element edges along a curve; surface interface elements, to connect dissimilar p-element faces over a surface; and shell-to-solid transition interface elements, to connect dissimilar p-element edges with p-element faces, have been implemented in MSC.Nastran. The background, theory, and implementation are being presented herein, along with examples. These three interface elements comprise a complete set of interface tools for global=local analysis