Structured extended finite element methods for solids defined by implicit surfaces

A paradigm is developed for generating structured nite element models from solid models by means of implicit surface de nitions. The implicit surfaces are de ned by radial basis functions. Internal features, such as material interfaces, sliding interfaces and cracks are treated by enrichment techniques developed in the extended nite element method. Methods for integrating the weak form for such models are proposed. These methods simplify the generation of nite element models. Results presented for several examples show that the accuracy of this method is comparable to standard unstructured nite element methods