The invertibility of the isoparametric mapping for pyramidal and prismatic finite elements (Q5944044)

The implementation of a three-dimensional finite element often uses tetrahedra or hexahedra. Since it is sometimes valuable to connect both kind of meshes, it is necessary to use in addition finite element which combines triangular and quadrangular faces like pyramids (one quadrangular face, four triangular faces) or prisms (three quadrangular faces, two triangular faces). Theoretical studies of interpolation and convergence for tetrahedral or hexahedral finite element methods have been developed by using the basic tools thoroughly detailed by \textit{P. G. Ciarlet} [Handbook of numerical analysis. Vol. II: Finite element methods (Part 1) (1991; Zbl 0712.65091)]. This paper extends the properties of the isoparametric transformations which map a given reference element onto a global element when these elements are of pyramidal or prismatic types. The basic question is that of the invertibility of such transformations. The paper is mainly theoretical but oriented to the applications. It contains some examples and counterexamples which give good illustrations of the results.