Methods for connecting dissimilar three-dimensional finite element meshes

Two methods are presented for connecting dissimilar three-dimensional nite element meshes. The rst method combines the concept of master and slave surfaces with the uniform strain approach for nite elements. By modifying the boundaries of elements on a slave surface, corrections are made to element formulations such that rst-order patch tests are passed. The second method is based entirely on constraint equations, but only passes a weaker form of the patch test for non-planar surfaces. Both methods can be used to connect meshes with di erent element types. In addition, master and slave surfaces can be designated independently of relative mesh resolutions. Example problems in three-dimensional linear elasticity are presented