What is the main goal of the P-method of meshing?

The primary goal of the P-method of meshing is to adjust the element polynomial order. This technique focuses on enhancing the accuracy of simulations by increasing the order of the polynomial used within the elements rather than solely increasing the number of elements in the mesh. By elevating the polynomial degree, the method efficiently captures more complex behavior of the modeled phenomena, leading to improved results without drastically increasing the total number of elements. This allows for a more refined analysis of stress or deformation in areas of interest while maintaining computational efficiency.

In contrast to merely using more elements or decreasing element size, which can lead to larger computational demands and potentially unnecessary complexity, the P-method leverages mathematical sophistication within each element to achieve greater precision. Additionally, optimizing mesh density typically refers to adjusting the overall number of elements rather than their polynomial characteristics, further differentiating the P-method's focus on polynomial order enhancement.