Coupling between meshless and finite element methods

This paper presents a description of an algorithm for the coupling of a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) solver to a finite element (FE) solver. The coupling algorithm allows for frictionless sliding between FE and particles and is implemented in 3D. The coupling of FE and SPH solvers offer advantages in modelling problems with extreme deformations within a Lagrangian framework. Examples of water impact and rod penetration in 3D are included to illustrate the performance of the algorithm.