New basis functions and computational procedures for p‐version finite element analysis

New basis functions and solution procedures for p‐version finite element analysis are described. They are used in a highly efficient p‐version finite element solver for linear elastostatics and dynamics, which has been used in an industrial environment for over two years. Using two sample applications it is shown that, using the techniques proposed here, p‐version finite element analysis can have a substantially lower computational cost, for given accuracy, than standard finite element methods. This makes the industrial applicability of p‐version finite element analysis much wider than is commonly believed. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd