The efficiency of the p-version finite element method in a distributed computing environment

The p-version of the 1nite element method is now commonly considered to be a very accurate discretization method for linear elliptic partial diAerential equations, but many researchers still doubt the e&ciency of this method, when compared to the classical h-versionan d applied to more complex problems. This paper will 1rst discuss some general considerations about the e&ciency of a numerical method and thenpresen t results onanevaluationof the p-version. It will be shown, that there are many special techniques being applicable to the p-version, yielding a well-performing and robust method. This will be demonstrated on several examples, including non-linear problems and a parallel implementationona workstationcluster. A client–server software structure for ane&cien t integration of CAD and FEA using a strict separation of geometric and non-geometric aspects will also be outlined