Covariant principal axis formulation of associated coupled thermoplasticity at finite strains and its numerical implementation

In this work we discuss a covariant formulation of the finite strain viscoplasticity in a fully coupled thermomechanical setting. The formulation is presented within the framework of the principal axis methodology, which leads to a very efficient numerical implementation. Several numerical simulations, dealing with fully coupled thermomechanical response at large viscoplastic strains and including both strain localization and cyclic loading cases, are presented in order to illustrate a very satisfying performance of the proposed methodology.     

Nonstructural geometric discontinuities in finite element/multibody system analysis

Existing multibody system (MBS) algorithms treat articulated system components that are not rigidly connected as separate bodies connected by joints that are governed by nonlinear algebraic equations. As a consequence, these MBS algorithms lead to a highly nonlinear system of coupled differential and algebraic equations. Existing finite element (FE) algorithms, on the other hand, do not lead to a constant mesh inertia matrix in the case of arbitrarily large relative rigid body rotations. In this paper, new FE/MBS meshes that employ linear connectivity conditions and allow for arbitrarily large rigid body displacements between the finite elements are introduced. The large displacement FE absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is used to obtain linear element connectivity conditions in the case of large relative rotations between the finite elements of a mesh. It is shown in this paper that a linear formulation of pin (revolute) joints that allow for finite relative rotations between two elements connected by the joint can be systematically obtained using ANCF finite elements. The algebraic joint constraint equations, which can be introduced at a preprocessing stage to efficiently eliminate redundant position coordinates, allow for deformation modes at the pin joint definition point, and therefore, this new joint formulation can be considered as a generalization of the pin joint formulation used in rigid MBS analysis. The new pin joint deformation modes that are the result of C ⁰ continuity conditions, allow for the calculations of the pin joint strains which can be discontinuous as the result of the finite relative rotation between the elements. This type of discontinuity is referred to in this paper as nonstructural discontinuity in order to distinguish it from the case of structural discontinuity in which the elements are rigidly connected. Because ANCF finite elements lead to a constant mass matrix, an identity generalized mass matrix can be obtained for the FE mesh despite the fact that the finite elements of the mesh are not rigidly connected. The relationship between the nonrational ANCF finite elements and the B-spline representation is used to shed light on the potential of using ANCF as the basis for the integration of computer aided design and analysis (I-CAD-A). When cubic interpolation is used in the FE/ANCF representation, C ⁰ continuity is equivalent to a knot multiplicity of three when computational geometry methods such as B-splines are used. C ² ANCF models which ensure the continuity of the curvature and correspond to B-spline knot multiplicity of one can also be obtained. Nonetheless, B-spline and NURBS representations cannot be used to effectively model T-junctions that can be systematically modeled using ANCF finite elements which employ gradient coordinates that can be conveniently used to define element orientations in the reference configuration. Numerical results are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the new formulation in developing new chain models.     

Integration of B-spline geometry and ANCF finite element analysis

The goal of this investigation is to introduce a new computer procedure for the integration of B-spline geometry and the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) finite element analysis. The procedure is based on developing a linear transformation that can be used to transform systematically the B-spline representation to an ANCF finite element mesh preserving the same geometry and the same degree of continuity. Such a linear transformation that relates the B-spline control points and the finite element position and gradient coordinates will facilitate the integration of computer aided design and analysis (ICADA). While ANCF finite elements automatically ensure the continuity of the position and gradient vectors at the nodal points, the B-spline representation allows for imposing a higher degree of continuity by decreasing the knot multiplicity. As shown in this investigation, a higher degree of continuity can be systematically achieved using ANCF finite elements by imposing linear algebraic constraint equations that can be used to eliminate nodal variables. The analysis presented in this study shows that continuity of the curvature vector and its derivative which corresponds in the cubic B-spline representation to zero knot multiplicity can be systematically achieved using ANCF finite elements. In this special case, as the knot multiplicity reduces to zero, the recurrence B-spline formula causes two segments to automatically blend together forming one cubic segment defined on a larger domain. Similarly in this special case, the algebraic constraint equations required for the C ³ continuity convert two ANCF cubic finite elements to one finite element, demonstrating the strong relationship between the B-spline representation and the ANCF finite element representation. For the same order of interpolation, higher degree of continuity at the finite element interface can lead to a coarser mesh and to a lower dimensional model. Using the B-spline/ANCF finite element transformation developed in this paper, the equations of motion of a finite element mesh that represents exactly the B-spline geometry can be developed. Because of the linearity of the transformation developed in this investigation, all the ANCF finite element desirable features are preserved; including the constant mass matrix that can be used to develop an optimum sparse matrix structure of the nonlinear multibody system dynamic equations.     

On the transverse compression response of Kevlar KM2 using fiber-level finite element model

Flexible textile composites like woven Kevlar fabrics are widely used in high velocity impact (HVI) applications. Upon HVI they are subjected to both longitudinal tensile and transverse compressive loads. To understand the role of transverse properties, the single fiber and tow transverse compression response (SFTCR and TTCR) of Kevlar KM2 fibers are numerically analyzed using plane strain finite element (FE) models. A finite strain formulation with a minimum number of 84 finite elements is determined to be required for the fiber cross section to capture the finite strain SFTCR through a mesh convergence study. Comparison of converged numerical solution to the experimental results indicates the dominant role of geometric stiffening at finite strains due to growth in contact width. The TTCR is studied using a fiber length scale FE model of a single tow comprised of 400 fibers transversely loaded between rigid platens. This study along with micrographs of yarn after mechanical compaction illustrates fiber spreading and fiber–fiber contact friction interactions are important deformation mechanisms at finite strains. The TTCR is also studied using homogenized yarn level models with properties from the literature. Comparison of TTCR between fiber length scale and homogenized yarn length scale models indicate the need for a nonlinear material model for homogenized approaches to accurately predict the transverse compression response of the fabrics.     

Numerical investigation of the slope discontinuities in large deformation finite element formulations

In many multibody system applications, the system components are made of structural elements that can have different orientations, leading to slope discontinuities. In this paper, a numerical investigation of a new procedure that can be used to model structures with slope discontinuities in the finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is presented. This procedure can be applied to model slope discontinuities in the case of commutative rotations of gradient deficient elements that are used for modeling thin beam and plate structures. An important special case to which the proposed procedure can be applied is the case of all planar gradient deficient ANCF finite elements. The use of the proposed method leads to a constant orthogonal element transformation that describes an arbitrary initial configuration. As a consequence, one obtains, in the case of large commutative rotations and large deformations, a constant mass matrix for structures which have complex geometry. The procedure used in this investigation to model slope discontinuities requires the use of the concept of the intermediate finite element coordinate system. For each finite element, a new set of gradient coordinates that define, at the discontinuity node, the element deformation with respect to the intermediate element coordinate system is introduced. These new gradient coordinates are assumed to be equal for the two finite elements at the point of intersection. That is, the change of the gradients of two elements at the intersection point from their respective intermediate initial reference configuration is assumed to be the same. This procedure leads to a set of linear algebraic equations that define the orthogonal transformation matrix for the finite element. Numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the proposed procedure for modeling slope discontinuities.     

THIRD ORDER SHEAR DEFORMATION MODEL FOR LAMINATED SHELLS WITH FINITE ROTATIONS： FORMULATION AND CONSISTENT LINEARIZATION

The paper presents an approach for the formulation of general laminated shells based on a third order shear deformation theory. These shells undergo finite (unlimited in size) rotations and large overall motions but with small strains. A singularity-free parametrization of the rotation field is adopted. The constitutive equations, derived with respect to laminate curvilinear coordinates, are applicable to shell elements with an arbitrary number of orthotropic layers and where the material principal axes can vary from layer to layer. A careful consideration of the consistent linearization procedure pertinent to the proposed parametrization of finite rotations leads to symmetric tangent stiffness matrices. The matrix formulation adopted here makes it possible to implement the present formulation within the framework of the finite element method as a straightforward task.     

Influence of a finite strain on vibration of a bounded Timoshenko beam

The goal of this work is to study the eigenmodes of shearable beams with initial finite strain. A three dimensional model is developed on the base of Cosserat continuum mechanics. The characteristics of waves propagation superimposed upon finite pre-stress are obtained using the (rigorous) calculation of the Hamiltonian action. The results are applied on vibration of beam supporting a finite longitudinal strain. Nonlinear effect according to the pre-stress is obtained for various boundary conditions and through a nondimensional formalism.     

Wrinkling of tubes in bending from finite strain three-dimensional continuum theory

The problem of a tube under pure bending is first solved as a generalised plane strain problem. This then provides the prebifurcation solution, which is uniform along the length of the tube. The onset of wrinkling is then predicted by introducing buckling modes involving a sinusoidal variation of the displacements along the length of the tube. Both the prebuckling analysis and the bifurcation check require only a two-dimensional finite element discretisation of the cross-section with special elements. The formulation does not rely on any of the approximations of a shell theory, or small strains. The same elements can be used for pure bending and local buckling a prismatic beam of arbitrary cross-section. Here the flow theory of plasticity with isotropic hardening is used for the prebuckling solution, but the bifurcation check is based on the incremental moduli of a finite strain deformation theory of plasticity.For tubes under pure bending, the results for limit point collapse (due to ovalisation) and bifurcation buckling (wrinkling) are compared to existing analysis and test results, to see whether removing the approximations of a shell theory and small strains (used in the existing analyses) leads to a better prediction of the experimental results. The small strain analysis results depend on whether the true or nominal stress–strain curve is used. By comparing small and finite strain analysis results it is found that the small strain approximation is good if one uses (a) the nominal stress–strain curve in compression to predict bifurcation buckling (wrinkling), and (b) the true stress–strain curve to calculate the limit point collapse curvature.In regard to the shell theory approximations, it is found that the three-dimensional continuum theory predicts slightly shorter critical wrinkling wavelengths, especially for lower diameter-to-wall-thickness (D/t) ratios. However this difference is not sufficient to account for the significantly lower wavelengths observed in the tests.     

On the formulation of the planar ANCF triangular finite elements

In this paper, new planar isoparametric triangular finite elements (FE) based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) are developed. The proposed ANCF elements have six coordinates per node: two position coordinates that define the absolute position vector of the node and four gradient coordinates that define vectors tangent to coordinate lines (parameters) at the same node. To shed light on the importance of the element geometry and to facilitate the development of some of the new elements presented in this paper, two different parametric definitions of the gradient vectors are used. The first parametrization, called area parameterization, is based on coordinate lines along the sides of the element in the reference configuration, while the second parameterization, called Cartesian parameterization, employs coordinate lines defined along the axes of the structure (body) coordinate system. The fundamental differences between the ANCF parameterizations used in this investigation and the parametrizations used for conventional finite elements are highlighted. The Cartesian parameterization serves as a unique standard for the triangular FE assembly. To this end, a transformation matrix that defines the relationship between the area and the Cartesian parameterizations is introduced for each element in order to allow for the use of standard FE assembly procedure and define the structure (body) inertia and elastic forces. Using Bezier geometry and a linear mapping, cubic displacement fields of the new ANCF triangular elements are systematically developed. Specifically, two new ANCF triangular finite elements are developed in this investigation, namely four-node mixed-coordinate and three-node ANCF triangles. The performance of the proposed new ANCF elements is evaluated by comparison with the conventional linear and quadratic triangular elements as well as previously developed ANCF rectangular and triangular elements. The results obtained in this investigation show that in the case of small and large deformations as well as finite rotations, all the elements considered can produce correct results, which are in a good agreement if appropriate mesh sizes are used.     

Variational formulation of a three-dimensional surface-related solid-shell finite element

The solution of structural analysis problems, especially of shell structures, demands an efficient numerical solution strategy. Since unilateral contact problems are investigated, the shell model is formulated with respect to one of the outer surfaces, i.e., the shell formulation is surface-related. In particular, the investigation of textile reinforced strengthening layers (Brameshuber (ed.) in State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM Technical Commitee 201—TRC, 2006) will be carried out by this approach. Since shells are three-dimensional structures, i.e., bodies, the field equations of continuum mechanics are the starting point. This set of partial differential equations with pertinent boundary conditions has to be solved. An efficient numerical solution of this problem becomes easier, if the problem is reformulated using variational formalism. A corresponding mathematically abstract formulation of the underlying variational principle of the three-dimensional surface-related solid-shell finite element is stated. The discretization of the mathematically abstract principle is, among others, the source of several locking phenomena. The presented shell formulation assumes linear shell kinematics with six displacement parameters, circumventing a rotation formulation. This low-order shell kinematics produces parasitical strains and stresses, leading to poor approximations of the solution or even useless results. Therewith, extensions and/or adjustments of well-known techniques to prevent or at least reduce locking like the assumed natural strain method (Simo and Hughes in J Appl Mech 53:52–54, 1986) and the enhanced assumed strain method (Simo and Rifai in Int J Numer Methods Eng 29:1595–1638, 1990) have to be carried out. Using these adapted methods, a reliable and efficient solid-shell element with tremendously reduced locking properties is obtained. This concept comprises the utilization of unmodified three-dimensional constitutive relations by a minimal number of kinematical parameters. Finally, two nonlinear examples illustrate the reliability and the efficiency of the new solid-shell element.     

Exact finite element method

In this paper,a new method,exact element method for constructing finite element,ispresented.It can be applied to solve nonpositive definite or positive definite partialdifferential equation with arbitrary variable coefficient under arbitrary boundarycondition.Its convergence is proved and its united formula for solving partial differentialequation is given.By the present method,a noncompatible element can be obtained and thecompatibility conditions between elements can be treated very easily.Comparing the exactelement method with the general finite element method with the same degrees of freedom,the high convergence rate of the high order derivatives of solution can be obtained.Threenumerical examples are given at the end of this paper,which indicate all results canconverge to exact solution and have higher numerical precision.     

Variational asymptotic homogenization of temperature-dependent heterogeneous materials under finite temperature changes

The variational asymptotic method is used to construct a thermomechanical model for homogenizing heterogeneous materials made of temperature-dependent constituents subject to finite temperature changes with the restriction that the strain is small. First, we presented the derivation for a Helmholtz free energy suitable for finite temperature changes using basic thermodynamics concepts. Then we used this energy to construct a thermomechanical micromechanics model, extending our previous work which was restricted to small temperature changes. The new model is implemented in the computer code VAMUCH using the finite element method for the purpose of handling real heterogeneous materials with arbitrary periodic microstructures. A few examples including binary composites, fiber reinforced composites, and particle reinforced composites are used to demonstrate the application of this model and the errors introduced by assuming small temperature changes when they are not necessarily small.     

Algorithmic tangent modulus at finite strains based on multiplicative decomposition简

The algorithmic tangent modulus at finite strains in current configuration plays an important role in the nonlinear finite element method. In this work, the exact tensorial forms of the algorithmic tangent modulus at finite strains are derived in the principal space and their corresponding matrix expressions are also presented. The algorithmic tangent modulus consists of two terms. The first term depends on a specific yield surface, while the second term is independent of the specific yield surface. The elastoplastic matrix in the principal space associated with the specific yield surface is derived by the logarithmic strains in terms of the local multiplicative decomposition. The Drucker-Prager yield function of elastoplastic material is used as a numerical example to verify the present algorithmic tangent modulus at finite strains.     

P-version hybrid analytical finite element method for plate bending problems

Two sets of trial functions with different variables are constructed for the admissible space of the finite element analysis. The trial functions satisfy the equilibrium differential equation inside elements, while the deflections and rotations on the edges of the elements are approximated by the Peano hierarchical interpolation functions. Then, a generalized variational principle is applied to set up the p-version hybrid analytical finite element method for plate bending problems. The accuracy of finite element computation can be improved by increasing the order of the interpolation polynomials with fixed mesh. In the finite element formulation, to obtain the stiffness matrices and the load vectors, it is only necessary to perform quadrature over the edges of the elements. These matrices and vectors possess an embedding structure. The conformability between the elements can be controlled automatically.This work is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China and the Aeronautical Science Foundation of China.     

Sensitivity analysis of the thermomechanical response of welded joints

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the sensitivity coefficients of the thermomechanical response of welded structures. Uncoupled thermomechanical analysis, with transient thermal analysis and quasi-static mechanical analysis, is performed. A rate independent, small deformation thermo-elasto-plastic material model with temperature-dependent material properties is adopted in the study. The temperature field is assumed to be independent of the stresses and strains. The heat transfer equations emanating from a finite element semi-discretization are integrated using an implicit backward difference scheme to generate the time history of the temperatures. The mechanical response during welding is then calculated by solving a generalized plane strain problem. First- and second-order sensitivity coefficients of the thermal and mechanical response quantities (derivatives with respect to various thermomechanical parameters) are evaluated using a direct differentiation approach in conjunction with an automatic differentiation software facility. Numerical results are presented for a double fillet conventional welding of a stiffener and a base plate made of stainless steel AL-6XN material. Time histories of the response and sensitivity coefficients, and their spatial distributions at selected times are presented.     

A Dorodnitsyn finite element formulation for laminar boundary layer flow

The Dorodnitsyn boundary later formulation is given a finite element interpretation and found to generate very accurate and economical solutions when combined with an implicit, non-iterative marching scheme in the downstream direction. The algorithm is of order (Δ²u, Δx) whether linear or quadratic elements are used across the boundary layer. Solutions are compared with a Dorodnitsyn spectral formulation and a conventional finite difference formulation for three Falkner-Skan pressure gradient cases and the flow over a circular cylinder. With quadratic elements the Dorodnitsyn finite element formulation is approximately five times more efficient than the conventional finite difference formulation.     

A stabilized finite element method for the Stokes problem based on polynomial pressure projections

A new stabilized finite element method for the Stokes problem is presented. The method is obtained by modification of the mixed variational equation by using local L² polynomial pressure projections. Our stabilization approach is motivated by the inherent inconsistency of equal‐order approximations for the Stokes equations, which leads to an unstable mixed finite element method. Application of pressure projections in conjunction with minimization of the pressure–velocity mismatch eliminates this inconsistency and leads to a stable variational formulation. Unlike other stabilization methods, the present approach does not require specification of a stabilization parameter or calculation of higher‐order derivatives, and always leads to a symmetric linear system. The new method can be implemented at the element level and for affine families of finite elements on simplicial grids it reduces to a simple modification of the weak continuity equation. Numerical results are presented for a variety of equal‐order continuous velocity and pressure elements in two and three dimensions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Validation and application of three-dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis with tetrahedron finite element meshed block

In the last decade, three dimensional discontinuous deformation analyses (3D DDA) has attracted more and more attention of researchers and geotechnical engineers worldwide. The original DDA formulation utilizes a linear displacement function to describe the block movement and deformation, which would cause block expansion under rigid body rotation and thus limit its capability to model block deformation. In this paper, 3D DDA is coupled with tetrahedron finite elements to tackle these two problems. Tetrahedron is the simplest in the 3D domain and makes it easy to implement automatic discretization, even for complex topology shape. Furthermore, element faces will remain planar and element edges will remain straight after deformation for tetrahedron finite elements and polyhedral contact detection schemes can be used directly. The matrices of equilibrium equations for this coupled method are given in detail and an effective contact searching algorithm is suggested. Validation is conducted by comparing the results of the proposed coupled method with that of physical model tests using one of the most common failure modes, i.e., wedge failure. Most of the failure modes predicted by the coupled method agree with the physical model results except for 4 cases out of the total 65 cases. Finally, a complex rockslide example demonstrates the robustness and versatility of the coupled method.     

Effect of the order of the finite element and selection of the constrained modes in deformable body dynamics

Finite elements with different orders can be used in the analysis of constrained deformable bodies that undergo large rigid body displacements. The constrained mode shapes resulting from the use of finite elements with different orders differ in the way the stiffness of the body bending and extension are defined. The constrained modes also depend on the selection of the boundary conditions. Using the same type of finite element, different sets of boundary conditions lead to different sets of constrained modes. In this investigation, the effect of the order of the element as well as the selection of the constrained mode shapes is examined numerically. To this end, the constant strain three node triangular element and the quadratic six node triangular element are used. The results obtained using the three node triangular element are compared with the higher order six node triangular element. The equations of motion for the three and six node triangular elements are formulated from assumed linear and quadratic displacement fields, respectively. Both assumed displacement fields can describe large rigid body translational and rotational displacements. Consequently, the dynamic formulation presented in this investigation can also be used in the large deformation analysis. Using the finite element displacement field, the mass, stiffness, and inertia invariants of the three and six-node triangular elements are formulated. Standard finite element assembly techniques are used to formulate the differential equations of motion for mechanical systems consisting of interconnected deformable bodies. Using a multibody four bar mechanism, numerical results of the different elements and their respective performance are presented. These results indicate that the three node triangular element does not perform well in bending modes of deformation.