A nonlinear extensible 4-node shell element based on continuum theory and assumed strain interpolations

Summary A quadrilateral continuum-basedC ⁰ shell element is presented, which relies on extensible director kinematics and incorporates unmodified three-dimensional constitutive models. The shell element is developed from the nonlinear enhanced assumed strain (EAS) method advocated by Sino & Armero [1] and formulated in curvilinear coordinates. Here, the EAS-expansion of the material displacement gradient leads to the local interpretation of enhanced covariant base vectors that are superposed on the compatible covariant base vectors. Two expansions of the enhanced covariant base vectors are given: first an extension of the underlying single extensible shell kinematic and second an improvement of the membrane part of the bilinear element. Furthermore, two assumed strain modifications of the compatible covariant strains are introduced such that the element performs well even in the case of very thin shells. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo In honour of Professor Juan Simo who had significant collaboration with our institute and contributed important insights to our research work. This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan Simo.     

An impetus-striction simulation of the dynamics of an elastica

Summary This article concerns the three-dimensional, large deformation dynamics of an inextensible, unshearable rod. To enforce the conditions of inextensibility and unshearability, a technique we call the impetus-striction method is exploited to reformulate the constrained Lagrangian dynamics as an unconstrained Hamiltonian system in which the constraints appear as integrals of the evolution. We show here that this impetus-striction formulation naturally leads to a numerical scheme which respects the constraints and conservation laws of the continuous system. We present simulations of the dynamics of a rod that is fixed at one end and free at the other. Dedication: Juan Simo and I shared many common interests in Hamiltonian systems, stability analyses, and the theory of rods. We rarely agreed on the best way of viewing problems, but we both always enjoyed debating the issues. He would undoubtedly have held strong opinions about this article, which is dedicated to him. He is sorely missed. Research supported by the NSF, NASA GSFC and Computer Sciences Corporation. Research supported by AFOSR and ONR. This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan Simo.     

Gravity waves on the surface of the sphere

Summary We propose a Hamiltonian model for gravity waves on the surface of a fluid layer surrounding a gravitating sphere. The general equations of motion are nonlocal and can be used as a starting point for simpler models, which can be derived systematically by expanding the Hamiltonian in dimensionless parameters. In this paper, we focus on the small wave amplitude regime. The first-order nonlinear terms can be eliminated by a formal canonical transformation. Similarly, many of the second order terms can be eliminated. The resulting model has the feature that it leaves invariant several finite-dimensional subspaces on which the motion is integrable. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan Simo.     

A new element for analyzing large deformation of thin Naghdi shell model. Part 1: Elastic

One of the best approaches for modeling large deformation of shells is the Cosserat surface. However, the finite-element implementation of this model suffers from membrane and shear locking, especially for very thin shells. The basic assumption of this theory is that the mid-surface of the shell is regarded as a Cosserat surface with one inextensible director. In this paper, it is shown that by constraining the director vector normal to the mid-surface, besides very good and accurate results, shear locking is also eliminated. This constraint is in fact a limiting analysis of the Cosserat theory in which Kirichhoff’s hypothesis is enforced. Numerical solution is performed using nine-node isoparametric element. The principal of virtual work is used to obtain the weak form of the governing differential equations and the material and geometric stiffness matrices are derived through a linearization process. The validity and the accuracy of the method are illustrated by numerical examples.     

Time integration and discrete Hamiltonian systems

Summary This paper develops a formalism for the design of conserving time-integration schemes for Hamiltonian systems with symmetry. The main result is that, through the introduction of a discrete directional derivative, implicit second-order conserving schemes can be constructed for general systems which preserve the Hamiltonian along with a certain class of other first integrals arising from affine symmetries. Discrete Hamiltonian systems are introduced as formal abstractions of conserving schemes and are analyzed within the context of discrete dynamical systems; in particular, various symmetry and stability properties are investigated. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo.     

The membrane shell model in nonlinear elasticity: A variational asymptotic derivation

Summary We consider a shell-like three-dimensional nonlinearly hyperelastic body and we let its thickness go to zero. We show, under appropriate hypotheses on the applied loads, that the deformations that minimize the total energy weakly converge in a Sobolev space toward deformations that minimize a nonlinear shell membrane energy. The nonlinear shell membrane energy is obtained by computing the Γ-limit of the sequence of three-dimensional energies. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan Simo.     

KAM theory near multiplicity one resonant surfaces in perturbations of a-priori stable hamiltonian systems

Summary We consider a near-integrable Hamiltonian system in the action-angle variables with analytic Hamiltonian. For a given resonant surface of multiplicity one we show that near a Cantor set of points on this surface, whose remaining frequencies enjoy the usual diophantine condition, the Hamiltonian may be written in a simple normal form which, under certain assumptions, may be related to the class which, following Chierchia and Gallavotti [1994], we calla-priori unstable. For the a-priori unstable Hamiltonian we prove a KAM-type result for the survival of whiskered tori under the perturbation as an infinitely differentiable family, in the sense of Whitney, which can then be applied to the above normal form in the neighborhood of the resonant surface. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo.     

Constrained euler buckling

Summary We consider elastic buckling of an inextensible beam confined to the plane and subject to fixed end displacements, in the presence of rigid, frictionless side-walls which constrain overall lateral displacements. We formulate the geometrically nonlinear (Euler) problem, derive some analytical results for special cases, and develop a numerical shooting scheme for solution. We compare these theoretical and numerical results with experiments on slender steel beams. In contrast to the simple behavior of the unconstrained problem, we find a rich bifurcation structure, with multiple branches and concomitant hysteresis in the overall load-displacement curves. Dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo.     

Dynamical problems for geometrically exact theories of nonlinearly viscoelastic rods

Summary This paper surveys recent results and open problems for the equations of motion for geometrically exact theories of nonlinearly viscoelastic and elastic rods. These rods can deform in space by undergoing not only flexure and torsion, but also extension and shear. The paper begins with a derivation of the governing equations, which for viscoelastic rods form a quasilinear system of hyperbolic-parabolic partial differential equations of high order. It then derives the energy equation and discusses difficulties that can arise in getting useful energy estimates. The paper next treats constitutive assumptions precluding total compression. The paper then discusses the curious asymptotic problems that arise when the inertia of the rod is small relative to that of a rigid body attached to its end. The paper concludes with discussions of traveling waves and shock structure, Hopf bifurcation problems, and problems of control. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan Simo.     

A symplectic integrator for riemannian manifolds

Summary The configuration spaces of mechanical systems usually support Riemannian metrics which have explicitly solvable geodesic flows and parallel transport operators. While not of primary interest, such metrics can be used to generate integration algorithms by using the known parallel transport to evolve points in velocity phase space. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan Simo.     

A new element for analyzing large deformation of thin Naghdi shell model. Part II: Plastic

In this paper a new element is developed that is based on Cosserat theory. In the finite element implementation of Cosserat theory shear locking can occur, especially for very thin shells. In the present investigation the director vector is constrained to remain perpendicular to the mid surface during deformation. It will be shown that this constraint yields accurate results in very large deformation of thin shells also the rate of convergency is very good. For plastic formulation, the model introduced by Simo is used and it has been reduced for constrained director vector and the consistent elasto-plastic tangent moduli is extracted for finite element solution. This model includes both kinematic and isotropic hardening. For numerical investigations an isoparametric nine node element is employed then by linearization of the principle of virtual work, material and geometric stiffness matrices are extracted. The validity and the accuracy of the proposed element is illustrated by the numerical examples and the results are compared with those available in the literature.     

Variational analysis of the coupling between a geometrically exact Cosserat rod and an elastic continuum

We formulate the static mechanical coupling of a geometrically exact Cosserat rod to a nonlinearly elastic continuum. In this setting, appropriate coupling conditions have to connect a one-dimensional model with director variables to a three-dimensional model without directors. Two alternative coupling conditions are proposed, which correspond to two different configuration trace spaces. For both, we show existence of solutions of the coupled problems, using the direct method of the calculus of variations. From the first-order optimality conditions, we also derive the corresponding conditions for the dual variables. These are then interpreted in mechanical terms.     

Mathematical analysis of sideband instabilities with application to rayleigh-bénard convection

Summary We introduce a new method for the analysis of sideband instabilities which are important for periodic patterns appearing in systems close to the instability threshold. The method relies on a two-fold application of the Liapunov-Schmidt reduction procedure, a first application to the nonlinear bifurcation problem and a second application to the linear spectral problem. We obtain rigorous results on the spectrum of the associated linearization in spaces allowing for general sideband perturbations by treating the sideband vector and the spectral parameter as small bifurcation parameters. We apply the theory to the small roll solutions in the Rayleigh-Bénard convection and derive domains in Rayleigh, Prandtl, and wave number space where the rolls are unstable. We recover the Eckhaus, zigzag, and skew-varicose instabilities obtained earlier by formal methods. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo.     

Dynamic equations of thermoelastic Cosserat rods

A thermoelastic Cosserat rod with a heat flux along its length is modeled after reviewing a simple Cosserat rod model. Extended Kirchhoff constitutive relations that include thermal effects, and the associated heat conduction equation, are derived using the first law of thermodynamics. The rate of internal dissipation of the Cosserat rod is estimated by the Clausius–Duhem inequality. Nonlinear dynamic equations of the thermoelastic Cosserat rod, which extend the simple Cosserat rod model, are obtained. Dynamic equations of a planar thermoelastic Cosserat rod, the Timoshenko thermoelastic beam, and the planar Euler–Bernoulli thermoelastic beam are derived as a special case within the framework of the thermoelastic Cosserat rod.     

Contact formulation of non-linear problems in the mechanics of shells with their end sections connected by a plane curvilinear rod

Starting from the consistent version of the geometrically non-linear equations of the theory of elasticity for small deformations and arbitrary displacements, a Timoshenko-type model that takes account of shear and compression deformations and also an extended variational Lagrange principle, an improved geometrically non-linear theory of static deformation is constructed for reinforced thin-walled structures with shell elements, the end sections of which are connected by a rod. It is based on the introduction into the treatment of contact forces and torques as unknowns on the lines joining the shells to the rods and it enables all classical and non-classical forms of loss of stability in structures of the class considered to be investigated. An analytical solution of the problem of the stability of a rectangular plate, that is under compression in one direction, supported by a hinge along two opposite edges and joined by a hinge with an elastic rod on one of the other two edges, is found using a simplified version of the linearized equations.     

Problems and progress in microswimming

Summary Stokesian swimming is a geometric exercise, a collective game. In Part I, we review Shapere and Wilczek's gauge-theoretical approach for a single organism. We estimate the speeds of organisms moving by propagating small amplitude waves, and we make a conjecture regarding a new inequality for the Stokes' curvature. In Part II, we extend the gauge theory to collective motions. We advocate the influx of nonlinear control theory and subriemannian geometry. Computationally, parallel algorithms are natural, each microorganism representing a separate processor. In the final section, open questions motivated by biology are presented. Dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo, a pioneer in the use of geometry to produce better analytical and numerical methods in mechanics This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo.     

A finite element formulation based on the theory of a Cosserat point

The theory of Cosserat points is the basis of a 3D finite element formulation allowing for large deformations in structural mechanics, that recently was presented by [1]. First attempts have revealed, that this formulation is free of showing undesired locking or hourglassing-phenomena. It additionally shows excellent behaviour for any type of incompressible material, for large deformations and sensitive structures such as plates or shells. Within the theory of Cosserat points, the position vectors X and x , are described through director vectors D _i and d _i by use of trilinear shape functions Nⁱ for an 8-node brick element. The special choice of shape functions Nⁱ allows for director vectors with which the deformation can be split into a homogeneous and an inhomogeneous part. This split enables the use of stiffnesses that correspond to different deformation modes. Analytical solutions to the inhomogeneous deformation modes are incorporated in the formulation and avoid the undesired phenomena. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Symmetry methods in collisionless many-body problems

Summary We formulate an appropriate symmetry context for studying periodic solutions to equal-mass many-body problems in the plane and 3-space. In a technically tractable but unphysical case (attractive force a smooth function of squared distance, bodies permitted to coincide) we apply the equivariant Moser-Weinstein Theorem of Montaldiet al. to prove the existence of various symmetry classes of solutions. In so doing we expoit the direct product structure of the symmetry group and use recent results of Dionneet al. on ‘C-axial’ isotropy subgroups. Along the way we obtain a classification of C-axial subgroups of the symmetric group. The paper concludes with a speculative analysis of a three-dimensional solution to the 2n-body problem found by Davieset al. and some suggestion for further work. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo This paper was solicited by the editors to be part of a volume dedicated to the memory of Juan C. Simo.     

On the oscillations of a thin-walled structure containing a fluid, in the presence of a hydrodynamic damper : PMM vol. 43, no. 6, 1979, pp. 1095–1101

A model of a hydrodynamic oscillation damper is proposed. The model is used to obtain the equations describing longitudinal oscillations of a structure which includes a shell partially filled with fluid, and contains a hydrodynamic damper. It is shown that the use of the damper leads to considerable increase in the damping of the oscillations of specified frequencies within the structure.

In modern technology one encounters various types of problems connected with restricting the amplitudes of the axisymmetric vibrations of shells and of the longitudinal oscillations of structures consisting of shells partially filled with fluid. Various devices have been proposed [1] for solving these problems. All these devices have a common feature, namely an elastic shell filled with gas and placed in the fluid. The natural frequency of oscillations of such a shell in a fluid can be tuned to required frequency. The effect of such a device is analogous to the effect of a dynamic vibration damper in mechanical systems [2]. A part of the fluid contained in the shell serves as the active mass of the dynamic damper, and for this reason we shall call such devices the hydrodynamic vibration dampers.     

A finite element formulation based on the Cosserat point theory

The theory of Cosserat points is the basis of a 3D finite element formulation for large deformations in structural mechanics, that recently was presented by [1]. First investigations [2] have revealed, that this formulation is free of showing undesired locking or hourglassing-phenomena. It additionally shows excellent behaviour for any type of incompressible material, for large deformations and sensitive structures such as plates or shells. The formulation initially was restricted to a Neo-Hookean material. This work will present the extension to a general elastic Ogden material and the verification of the chosen model. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)