Finite element approximation of a prestressed shell model

This work deals with the finite element approximation of a prestressed shell model formulated in Cartesian coordinates system. The considered constrained variational problem is not necessarily positive. Moreover, because of the constraint, it cannot be discretized by conforming finite element methods. A penalized version of the model and its discretization are then proposed. We prove existence and uniqueness results of solutions for the continuous and discrete problems, and we derive optimal a priori error estimates. Numerical tests that validate and illustrate our approach are given.     

Convergence analysis of a projection semi-implicit coupling scheme for fluid–structure interaction problems

In this paper, we provide a convergence analysis of a projection semi-implicit scheme for the simulation of fluid–structure systems involving an incompressible viscous fluid. The error analysis is performed on a fully discretized linear coupled problem: a finite element approximation and a semi-implicit time-stepping strategy are respectively used for space and time discretization. The fluid is described by the Stokes equations, the structure by the classical linear elastodynamics equations (linearized elasticity, plate or shell models) and all changes of geometry are neglected. We derive an error estimate in finite time and we prove that the time discretization error for the coupling scheme is at least ${\sqrt{\delta t}}In this paper, we provide a convergence analysis of a projection semi-implicit scheme for the simulation of fluid–structure systems involving an incompressible viscous fluid. The error analysis is performed on a fully discretized linear coupled problem: a finite element approximation and a semi-implicit time-stepping strategy are respectively used for space and time discretization. The fluid is described by the Stokes equations, the structure by the classical linear elastodynamics equations (linearized elasticity, plate or shell models) and all changes of geometry are neglected. We derive an error estimate in finite time and we prove that the time discretization error for the coupling scheme is at least ?{dt}{\sqrt{\delta t}}. Finally, some numerical experiments that confirm the theoretical analysis are presented.     

Numerical Approximation of the Elastic-Viscoplastic Contact Problem with Non-matching Meshes

Summary.  This work deals with the approximation of a time dependent variational inequality modelling the unilateral contact problem of elastic-viscoplastic bodies in a bidimensional context. The problem is approximated in the space variable with nonconforming finite element methods which allow the handling of nonmatching meshes on the contact zone. Several error estimates are established and the corresponding numerical experiments are achieved. Received Febuary 7, 2001 / Revised version received August 14, 2002 / Published online October 29, 2002 Mathematics Subject Classification (1991): 73T05     

Approximation of variational eigenvalue problems

A variational eigenvalue problem in an infinite-dimensional Hilbert space is approximated by a problem in a finite-dimensional subspace. We analyze the convergence and accuracy of the approximate solutions. The general results are illustrated by a scheme of the finite element method with numerical integration for a one-dimensional second-order differential eigenvalue problem. For this approximation, we obtain optimal estimates for the accuracy of the approximate solutions.     

Hybrid boundary element formulation for acoustic wave propagation

The so‐called hybrid stress boundary element method (HSBEM) is introduced in a frequency domain formulation for the computation of acoustic radiation and scattering in closed and in finite domains. Different from other boundary element formulations, the HSBEM is based on an extended Hellinger‐Reissner variational principle and leads to a Hermitian, frequency‐dependent stiffness equation. Due to this, the method is very well suited for treating fluid structure interaction problems since the effort for the coupling the structure, discretized by a finite elements, and the fluid, discretized by the HSBEM is strongly reduced. To arrive at a boundary integral formulation, the field variables are separated into boundary variables, which are approximated by piecewise polynomial functions, and domain variables, which are approximated by a superposition of singular fundamental solutions weighed by source strength. This approximation cancels the domain integral over the equation of motion in the hybrid principle and leads to a boundary integral formulation, incorporating singular integrals. Comparing to previous results published by the authors, new considerations concerning the interpretation of singular contributions in the stiffness matrix for exterior domain problems are communicated here.     

A semi-analytical direct optimal control solution for strongly excited and dissipative Hamiltonian systems

A semi-analytical direct optimal control solution for strongly excited and dissipative Hamiltonian systems is proposed based on the extended Hamiltonian principle, the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation and its variational integral equation, and the finite time element approximation. The differential extended Hamiltonian equations for structural vibration systems are replaced by the variational integral equation, which can preserve intrinsic system structure. The optimal control law dependent on the value function is determined by the HJB equation so as to satisfy the overall optimality principle. The partial differential equation for the value function is converted into the integral equation with variational weighting. Then the successive solution of optimal control with system state is designed. The two variational integral equations are applied to sequential time elements and transformed into the algebraic equations by using the finite time element approximation. The direct optimal control on each time element is obtained respectively by solving the algebraic equations, which is unconstrained by the system state observed. The proposed control algorithm is applicable to linear and nonlinear systems with the quadratic performance index, and takes into account the effects of external excitations measured on control. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the optimal control effectiveness.     

A finite shell element with well balanced approximation functions for piezoelectric coupling

This contribution is concerned with a piezoelectric shell formulation. The present shell element has four nodes and bilinear interpolation functions. The nodal degrees of freedom are displacements, rotations and the electric potential on top and bottom of the shell. A 3D–material law is incorporated. In case of bending dominated problems incompatible approximation functions of the electrical and mechanical fields cause incorrect results. This effect occurs in standard element formulations, where the mechanical and electrical degrees of freedom are approximated with lowest order interpolation functions. In order to overcome this problem a mixed multi–field variational approach is introduced. It allows for approximations of the electric field and the strains independent of the bilinear interpolation functions. A quadratic approach for the shear strains and the electric field is proposed through the shell thickness. This leads to well balanced approximation functions regarding coupling of electrical and mechanical fields. A numerical example illustrates the more precise results in contrast to standard elements. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Variational formulation of the material failure process in solids by embedded discontinuities model

This work presents a variational formulation of the material failure process, idealized as strain or displacement discontinuities, by weak, strong, or discrete embedded discontinuities into a continuum. It is shown that the solution of the proposed variational formulation may be approximated by different types of finite elements with embedded discontinuities. The developed displacement approximation of a finite element split by the discontinuity leads to a symmetric stiffness matrix, which considers not only the continuity of tractions but also the rigid body relative motions of the portions in which the element is split. The variational formulation of a continuum with more than one discontinuity in its interior is developed. It is shown that this formulation may lead to finite elements with embedded discontinuities that can be classified as displacement, force, mixed, and hybrid models. To show the effectiveness of the proposed formulation, the classical example of a bar under tension is solved using one and 2D finite element approximations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009     

A mixed formulation for 3D magnetostatic problems: theoretical analysis and face-edge finite element approximation

Summary. A mixed field-based variational formulation for the solution of threedimensional magnetostatic problems is presented and analyzed. This method is based upon the minimization of a functional related to the error in the constitutive magnetic relationship, while constraints represented by Maxwell's equations are imposed by means of Lagrange multipliers. In this way, both the magnetic field and the magnetic induction field can be approximated by using the most appropriate family of vector finite elements, and boundary conditions can be imposed in a natural way. Moreover, this method is more suitable than classical approaches for the approximation of problems featuring strong discontinuities of the magnetic permeability, as is usually the case. A finite element discretization involving face and edge elements is also proposed, performing stability analysis and giving error estimates. Received January 23, 1998 / Revised version received July 23, 1998 / Published online September 24, 1999     

Null space correction and adaptive model order reduction in multi-frequency Maxwell’s problem

A model order reduction method is developed for an operator with a non-empty null-space and applied to numerical solution of a forward multi-frequency eddy current problem using a rational interpolation of the transfer function in the complex plane. The equation is decomposed into the part in the null space of the operator, calculated exactly, and the part orthogonal to it which is approximated on a low-dimensional rational Krylov subspace. For the Maxwell’s equations the null space is related to the null space of the curl. The proposed null space correction is related to divergence correction and uses the Helmholtz decomposition. In the case of the finite element discretization with the edge elements, it is accomplished by solving the Poisson equation on the nodal elements of the same grid. To construct the low-dimensional approximation we adaptively choose the interpolating frequencies, defining the rational Krylov subspace, to reduce the maximal approximation error. We prove that in the case of an adaptive choice of shifts, the matrix spanning the approximation subspace can never become rank deficient. The efficiency of the developed approach is demonstrated by applying it to the magnetotelluric problem, which is a geophysical electromagnetic remote sensing method used in mineral, geothermal, and groundwater exploration. Numerical tests show an excellent performance of the proposed methods characterized by a significant reduction of the computational time without a loss of accuracy. The null space correction regularizes the otherwise ill-posed interpolation problem.     

Divergence-free finite elements for the numerical solution of a hydroelastic vibration problem

In this paper, we analyze a divergence-free finite element method to solve a fluid–structure interaction spectral problem in the three-dimensional case. The unknowns of the resulting formulation are the fluid and solid displacements and the fluid pressure on the interface separating both media. The resulting mixed eigenvalue problem is approximated by using appropriate basis of the divergence-free lowest order Raviart–Thomas elements for the fluid, piecewise linear elements for the solid and piecewise constant elements for the interface pressure. It is proved that eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are correctly approximated and some numerical results are reported in order to assess the performance of the method.     

Full discretization of a nonlinear parabolic problem containing volterra operators and an unknown dirichlet boundary condition

The reconstruction of an unknown solely time‐dependent Dirichlet boundary condition in a nonlinear parabolic problem containing a linear and a nonlinear Volterra operator is considered. The inverse problem is converted into a variational problem in which the unknown Dirichlet condition is eliminated using a given integral overdetermination. A time‐discrete recurrent approximation scheme is designed, using Backward Euler's method. The convergence of the approximations towards a solution of the variational problem is proved under appropriate assumptions on the data and on the Volterra operators. The uniqueness of this solution is shown in the case that the nonlinear Volterra operator satisfies a particular inequality. Moreover, the Finite Element Method is used to discretize the time‐discrete approximation scheme in space. Finally, full‐discrete error estimates are derived for a particular choice of the finite elements. The corresponding convergence rates are supported by a numerical experiment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1444–1460, 2015     

Finite element analysis of varitional crimes for a quasilinear elliptic problem in 3D

Summary. We examine a finite element approximation of a quasilinear boundary value elliptic problem in a three-dimensional bounded convex domain with a smooth boundary. The domain is approximated by a polyhedron and a numerical integration is taken into account. We apply linear tetrahedral finite elements and prove the convergence of approximate solutions on polyhedral domains in the -norm to the true solution without any additional regularity assumptions. Received May 23, 1997 / Published online December 6, 1999     

Normal and tangential continuous elements for least‐squares mixed finite element methods

We consider a finite element discretization of the primal first‐order least‐squares mixed formulation of the second‐order elliptic problem. The unknown variables are displacement and flux, which are approximated by equal‐order elements of the usual continuous element and the normal continuous element, respectively. We show that the error bounds for all variables are optimal. In addition, a field‐based least‐squares finite element method is proposed for the 3D‐magnetostatic problem, where both magnetic field and magnetic flux are taken as two independent variables which are approximated by the tangential continuous and the normal continuous elements, respectively. Coerciveness and optimal error bounds are obtained. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2004.     

Superconvergence analysis of fully discrete finite element methods for semilinear parabolic optimal control problems

We study the superconvergence property of fully discrete finite element approximation for quadratic optimal control problems governed by semilinear parabolic equations with control constraints. The time discretization is based on difference methods, whereas the space discretization is done using finite element methods. The state and the adjoint state are approximated by piecewise linear functions and the control is approximated by piecewise constant functions. First, we define a fully discrete finite element approximation scheme for the semilinear parabolic control problem. Second, we derive the superconvergence properties for the control, the state and the adjoint state. Finally, we do some numerical experiments for illustrating our theoretical results.     

Finite element approximation of elliptic control problems with constraints on the gradient

We consider an elliptic optimal control problem with control constraints and pointwise bounds on the gradient of the state. We present a tailored finite element approximation to this optimal control problem, where the cost functional is approximated by a sequence of functionals which are obtained by discretizing the state equation with the help of the lowest order Raviart–Thomas mixed finite element. Pointwise bounds on the gradient variable are enforced in the elements of the triangulation. Controls are not discretized. Error bounds for control and state are obtained in two and three space dimensions. A numerical example confirms our analytical findings.     

Numerical solution of a multidimensional two-phase stefan problem

This paper treats a multidimensional two-phase Stefan problem with variable coefficients and mixed type boundary conditions. A numerical method for solving the problem is of fixed domain type, based on a variational inequality formulation of the problem. Numerical solutions are obtained by using piecewise linear finite elements in space and finite difference in time, and by solving a strictly convex minimization problem at each time step. Some computational results are presented.     

关于Lax-Milgram定理和Céa定理的一个注记

本文研究抽象变分问题(不必要求具有强制性)的Galerhin方法,利用泛函分析理论证明了:若变分问题的Galerkin逼近问题存在唯一解,那么它本身的解存在唯一且可由Galerhin逼近解无限逼近的充要条件是其Galerkin逼近格式具有某种稳定性.此结果是对Lax-Milgram定理和C啨a定理的补充,可以应用于不必具有强制性的变分问题.     

Error estimates for three-dimensional Stokes problem with non-standard boundary conditions

This work is devoted to the optimal and a posteriori error estimates of the Stokes problem with some non-standard boundary conditions in three dimensions. The variational formulation is decoupled into a system for the velocity and a Poisson equation for the pressure. The velocity is approximated with curl conforming finite elements and the pressure with standard continuous elements. Next, we establish optimal a posteriori estimates.