Local and global models

...

Separate from the global model, it may be advisable to create a more detailed local model may be needed to evaluate localized behavior, or the stresses and internal forces should be averaged for design purposes. Using this approach, sensitive response measures (internal forces, stresses, strains, displacements, etc.) at critical structural locations may be more accurately captured and then averaged for design purposes. Data from local models may then provide useful supplement to a global model, which should sufficiently capture global behavior through coarse discretization.