Finding minimal cubature rules for finite elements passing the patch test

Abstract

Cubature, i.e. multivariate numerical integration, plays a core part in the finite-element method. For a given element geometry and interpolation, it is possible to choose different cubature rules, leading to concepts like full and reduced integration. These cubature rules are usually chosen from a rather small set of existing rules, which were not specifically derived for finite-element applications, and may therefore not be optimal.