Abstract: | ![]() A simple and effective algorithm for the modular construction of non‐matched interfaces is presented for the partitioned solution of large‐scale structural problems. The formulation is based on a recently developed four‐field variational principle, which introduces a connection frame between the interfaced partitions. A key result of the present study is a frame nodal placement criterion that uniquely determines the frame discretization into piecewise linear elements so that the interface patch test condition is satisfied a priori. The method is demonstrated with several 2D and 3D example problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |