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When performing global/local analysis, the issue of connecting dissimilar meshes often arises, especially when refinement is performed. One method of connecting these dissimilar meshes is to use interface elements. Curve interface elements, to connect dissimilar p-element edges along a curve; surface interface elements, to connect dissimilar p-element faces over a surface; and shell-to-solid transition interface elements, to connect dissimilar p-element edges with p-element faces, have been implemented in MSC.Nastran. The background, theory, and implementation are being presented herein, along with examples. These three interface elements comprise a complete set of interface tools for global/local analysis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.