Moving particle finite element method with global smoothness

We describe a new version of the moving particle nite element method (MPFEM) that provides solutions within a C0 nite element framework. The nite elements determine the weighting for the moving partition of unity. A concept of ‘General Shape Function’ is proposed which extends regular nite element shape functions to a larger domain. These are combined with Shepard functions to obtain a smooth approximation. The Moving Particle Finite Element Method combines desirable features of nite element and meshfree methods. The proposed approach, in fact, can be interpreted as a ‘moving partition of unity nite element method’ or ‘moving kernel nite element method’. This method possesses the robustness and e ciency of the C0 nite element method while providing at least C1 continuity