Buckling and free vibration analysis of thick rectangular plates resting on elastic foundation using mixed finite element and differential quadrature method

In this article, a combination of the finite element (FE) and differential quadrature (DQ) methods is used to solve the eigenvalue (buckling and free vibration) equations of rectangular thick plates resting on elastic foundations. The elastic foundation is described by the Pasternak (two-parameter) model. The three dimensional, linear and small strain theory of elasticity and energy principle are employed to derive the governing equations. The in-plane domain is discretized using two dimensional finite elements. The spatial derivatives of equations in the thickness direction are discretized in strong-form using DQM. Buckling and free vibration of rectangular thick plates of various thicknesses to width and aspect ratios with Pasternak elastic foundation are investigated using the proposed FE-DQ method. The results obtained by the mixed method have been verified by the few analytical solutions in the literature. It is concluded that the mixed FE-DQ method has good convergancy behavior; and acceptable accuracy can be obtained by the method with a reasonable degrees of freedom.     

Three-dimensional layerwise-finite element free vibration analysis of thick laminated annular plates on elastic foundation

Using a three-dimensional layerwise-finite element method, the free vibration of thick laminated circular and annular plates supported on the elastic foundation is studied. The Pasternak-type formulation is employed to model the interaction between the plate and the elastic foundation. The discretized governing equations are derived using the Hamilton’s principle in conjunction with the layerwise theory in the thickness direction, the finite element (FE) in the radial direction and trigonometric function in the circumferential direction, respectively. The fast rate of convergence of the method is demonstrated and to verify its accuracy, comparison studies with the available solutions in the literature are performed. The effects of the geometrical parameters, the material properties and the elastic foundation parameters on the natural frequency parameters of the laminated thick circular and annular plates subjected to various boundary conditions are presented.     

Combined higher order finite volume and finite element scheme for double porosity and non-linear adsorption of transport problem in porous media

In this work, a dual porosity model of reactive solute transport in porous media is presented. This model consists of a nonlinear-degenerate advection-diffusion equation including equilibrium adsorption to the reaction combined with a first-order equation for the non-equilibrium adsorption interaction processes. The numerical scheme for solving this model involves a combined high order finite volume and finite element scheme for approximation of the advection-diffusion part and relaxation-regularized algorithm for nonlinearity-degeneracy. The combined finite volume-finite element scheme is based on a new formulation developed by Eymard et al. (2010) [10]. This formulation treats the advection and diffusion separately. The advection is approximated by a second-order local maximum principle preserving cell-vertex finite volume scheme that has been recently proposed whereas the diffusion is approximated by a finite element method. The result is a conservative, accurate and very flexible algorithm which allows the use of different mesh types such as unstructured meshes and is able to solve difficult problems. Robustness and accuracy of the method have been evaluated, particularly error analysis and the rate of convergence, by comparing the analytical and numerical solutions for first and second order upwind approaches. We also illustrate the performance of the discretization scheme through a variety of practical numerical examples. The discrete maximum principle has been proved.     

Full 3D finite element Cosserat formulation with application in layered structures

In this paper, a full three-dimensional (3D) finite element Cosserat formulation is developed within the principles of continuum mechanics in the small deformation framework. The developed finite element formulation is general; however, the proposed constitutive laws incorporate the effect of the internal length parameter of 3D layered continua. The extension of the existing two-dimensional (2D) Cosserat formulation to the 3D framework is novel and is consistent with plate theory which can be considered as the 3D version of beam theory. The results demonstrate a high level of consistency with the analytical solutions predicted by plate theory as well as predictions by alternative numerical techniques such as the discrete element method.     

A higher order finite element including transverse normal strain for linear elastic composite plates with general lamination configurations

This paper describes a higher-order global-local theory for thermal/mechanical response of moderately thick laminated composites with general lamination configurations. In-plane displacement fields are constructed by superimposing the third-order local displacement field to the global cubic displacement field. To eliminate layer-dependent variables, interlaminar shear stress compatibility conditions have been employed, so that the number of variables involved in the proposed model is independent of the number of layers of laminates. Imposing shear stress free condition at the top and the bottom surfaces, derivatives of transverse displacement are eliminated from the displacement field, so that C⁰ interpolation functions are only required for the finite element implementation. To assess the proposed model, the quadratic six-node C⁰ triangular element is employed for the interpolation of all the displacement parameters defined at each nodal point on the composite plate. Comparing to various existing laminated plate models, it is found that simple C⁰ finite elements with non-zero normal strain could produce more accurate displacement and stresses for thick multilayer composite plates subjected to thermal and mechanical loads. Finally, it is remarked that the proposed model is quite robust, such that the finite element results are not sensitive to the mesh configuration and can rapidly converge to 3-D elasticity solutions using regular or irregular meshes.     

Augmented high order finite volume element method for elliptic PDEs in non-smooth domains: Convergence study

The accuracy of a finite element numerical approximation of the solution of a partial differential equation can be spoiled significantly by singularities. This phenomenon is especially critical for high order methods. In this paper, we show that, if the PDE is linear and the singular basis functions are homogeneous solutions of the PDE, the augmentation of the trial function space for the Finite Volume Element Method (FVEM) can be done significantly simpler than for the Finite Element Method. When the trial function space is augmented for the FVEM, all the entries in the matrix originating from the singular basis functions in the discrete form of the PDE are zero, and the singular basis functions only appear in the boundary conditions. That is to say, there is no need to integrate the singular basis functions over the elements and the sparsity of the matrix is preserved without special care. FVEM numerical convergence studies on two-dimensional triangular grids are presented using basis functions of arbitrary high order, confirming the same order of convergence for singular solutions as for smooth solutions.     

Transient finite element for in-bore analysis of 9 mm pistols

The in-bore process that occurs when a pistol is fired involves multiple physical models. This process is brief and typically measured in microseconds. Furthermore, propellants produce high temperatures and pressure gases during the burning process. These factors have made experimentation and simulation of the in-bore behavior of bullets difficult. This study uses a nonlinear transient finite element method (FEM) to simulate the in-bore behavior of a 9 mm bullet after being fired, where the chamber pressure is calculated by Vallier–Heydenreich formula and is used as the input loading. A gunshot experiment is conducted to verify the accuracy of computational results. The maximum difference between the numerical results and real experimental data is only 2.56% (including muzzle velocity and width and depth of engraved bullet vestiges), indicating that the simulation is credible.The discussed simulation is capable of obtaining the plastic deformation and kinematic status of the bullet and the stress history and distribution of the gun barrel. The numerical results can provide complete data of the entire in-bore process, improve the drawbacks during real in-bore ballistic research experiments, and assist engineers in designing and developing other novel systems. The simulation can save considerable time when designing small arms barrels.     

A new multivariate spline based on mixed partial derivatives and its finite element approximation

We present a new multivariate spline using mixed partial derivatives. We show the existence and uniqueness of the proposed multivariate spline problem, and propose a simple finite element approximation.     

Three-dimensional simulation of flat rolling through a combined finite element–boundary element approach

This paper presents an innovative approach for analysing three-dimensional flat rolling. The proposed approach is based on a solution resulting from the combination of the finite element method with the boundary element method. The finite element method is used to perform the rigid–plastic numerical modelling of the workpiece allowing the estimation of the roll separating force, rolling torque and contact pressure along the surface of the rolls. The boundary element method is applied for computing the elastic deformation of the rolls. The combination of the two numerical methods is made using the finite element solution of the contact pressure along the surface of the rolls to define the boundary conditions to be applied on the elastic analysis of the rolls. The validity of the proposed approach is discussed by comparing the theoretical predictions with experimental data found in the literature.     

Finite volume and finite element methods for solving a one-dimensional space-fractional Boussinesq equation

In this paper, a new one-dimensional space-fractional Boussinesq equation is proposed. Two novel numerical methods with a nonlocal operator (using nodal basis functions) for the space-fractional Boussinesq equation are derived. These methods are based on the finite volume and finite element methods, respectively. Finally, some numerical results using fractional Boussinesq equation with the maximally positive skewness and the maximally negative skewness are given to demonstrate the strong potential of these approaches. The novel simulation techniques provide excellent tools for practical problems. These new numerical models can be extended to two- and three-dimensional fractional space-fractional Boussinesq equations in future research where we plan to apply these new numerical models for simulating the tidal water table fluctuations in a coastal aquifer.     

A projection-based stabilized finite element method for steady-state natural convection problem

We formulate a projection-based stabilization finite element technique for solving steady-state natural convection problems. In particular, we consider heat transport through combined solid and fluid media. This stabilization does not act on the large flow structures. Based on the projection stabilization idea, finite element error analysis of the problem is investigated and optimal errors for the velocity, temperature and pressure are established. We also present some numerical tests which both verify the theoretical predictions and demonstrate the method?s promise.     

Automatic finite element formulation and assembly of hyperelastic higher order structural models

The formulation of higher order structural models and their discretization using the finite element method is difficult owing to their complexity, especially in the presence of nonlinearities. In this work a new algorithm for automating the formulation and assembly of hyperelastic higher-order structural finite elements is developed. A hierarchic series of kinematic models is proposed for modeling structures with special geometries and the algorithm is formulated to automate the study of this class of higher order structural models. The algorithm developed in this work sidesteps the need for an explicit derivation of the governing equations for the individual kinematic modes. Using a novel procedure involving a nodal degree-of-freedom based automatic assembly algorithm, automatic differentiation and higher dimensional quadrature, the relevant finite element matrices are directly computed from the variational statement of elasticity and the higher order kinematic model. Another significant feature of the proposed algorithm is that natural boundary conditions are implicitly handled for arbitrary higher order kinematic models. The validity algorithm is illustrated with examples involving linear elasticity and hyperelasticity.     

Large-amplitude free vibrations of functionally graded beams by means of a finite element formulation

The large-amplitude free vibration analysis of functionally graded beams is investigated by means of a finite element formulation. The Von-Karman type nonlinear strain–displacement relationships are employed where the ends of the beam are constrained to move axially. The effects of the transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia are included based upon the Timoshenko beam theory. The material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution. A statically exact beam element which devoid the shear locking effect with displacement fields based on the first order shear deformation theory is used to study the geometric nonlinear effects on the vibrational characteristics of functionally graded beams. The finite element method is employed to discretize the nonlinear governing equations, which are then solved by the direct numerical integration technique in order to obtain the nonlinear vibration frequencies of functionally graded beams with different boundary conditions. The influences of power-law exponent, vibration amplitude, beam geometrical parameters and end supports on the free vibration frequencies are studied. The present numerical results compare very well with the results available from the literature where possible. Some new results for the nonlinear natural frequencies are presented in both tabular and graphical forms which can be used for future references.     

An improved GPS method with a new pseudo-peripheral nodes finder in finite element analysis

Finding pseudo-peripheral nodes with the largest eccentricity is important in matrix bandwidth and profile reduction algorithms in finite element analysis. A heuristic parameter, called the “width-depth ratio” and denoted by κ, is presented for finding the pseudo-peripheral nodes with larger pseudo-diameter compared with the GPS (Gibbs-Poole-Stockmeyer) pseudo-peripheral nodes finder. A novel nodes renumbering algorithm is thus developed by using our nodes finder based on GPS method. Simulations show that proposed nodes finder is reliable and effective in locating the proper pseudo-peripheral nodes with larger pseudo-diameters. A shielded microstrip line is given as an example to testify the ability of the proposed algorithm in application. The results, including time, pseudo-diameter, bandwidths and profiles, all indicate that our method is more competitive than GPS algorithm to be used as the nodes renumbering algorithm.     

A higher order finite element method with modified graded mesh for singularly perturbed two-parameter problems

This paper presents a modified graded mesh for singularly perturbed two-parameter problems. The mesh is generated recursively using Newton's algorithm and some implicitly defined function. The problem is solved numerically using the finite element method based on higher order polynomials of degree p≥1. We prove parameter uniform convergence of optimal order in ε-weighted energy norm. A test example is taken to compare the proposed graded mesh with others found in the literature.     

Postprocessing and higher order convergence for the mixed finite element approximations of the Stokes eigenvalue problems

In this paper we propose a method for improving the convergence rate of the mixed finite element approximations for the Stokes eigenvalue problem. It is based on a postprocessing strategy that consists of solving an additional Stokes source problem on an augmented mixed finite element space which can be constructed either by refining the mesh or by using the same mesh but increasing the order of the mixed finite element space. Dedicated to Ivan Hlaváček on the occasion of his 75th birthday     

The material parameter design and finite element simulation of the quadrilateral thermal cloak device

In this paper, we first design a coordinate transformation and derive the anisotropic material parameters of the quadrilateral thermal cloak according to the transformation thermodynamics principle. Then, since the derived parameters are inherently anisotropic, we eliminate its anisotropy by considering the effective medium theory and use a layered structure of metamaterials composed of only two isotropic materials to design the cloak device. Finally, we simulate the performance of a perfect and layered thermal cloak by the finite element method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to design and simulate the performance of this quadrilateral thermal cloak by the finite element method(FEM).     

On the use of physical spline finite element method for acoustic scattering

This paper presents the comparison of physical spline finite element method (PSFEM), in which differential equations are incorporated into interpolations of basic elements, with least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) and mixed Galerkin finite element method (MGFEM) on the numerical solution of one dimensional Helmholtz equation applied to an acoustic scattering problem. Firstly, all three methods are explained in detail and then it is shown that PSFEM reaches higher precision in a shorter time with fewer nodes than the other methods. It is also observed that this method is well suited for high frequency acoustic problems. Consequently, the results of PSFEM point out better efficiency in terms of number of unknowns and accuracy level.     

A mixed finite element method for fourth order eigenvalue problems

A mixed finite element method for approximating eigenpairs of IV order elliptic eigenvalue problems with Dirichlet boundary conditions has been given. The method can be applied to the vibration analysis of anisotropic/orthotropic/isotropic/biharmonic plates. Computer implementation procedures for this mixed method are given along with the results of numerical experiments.     

Postprocessing and higher order convergence for the mixed finite element approximations of the eigenvalue problem

In this paper, we propose a method to improve the convergence rate of the lowest order Raviart-Thomas mixed finite element approximations for the second order elliptic eigenvalue problem. Here, we prove a supercloseness result for the eigenfunction approximations and use a type of finite element postprocessing operator to construct an auxiliary source problem. Then solving the auxiliary additional source problem on an augmented mixed finite element space constructed by refining the mesh or by using the same mesh but increasing the order of corresponding mixed finite element space, we can increase the convergence order of the eigenpair approximation. This postprocessing method costs less computation than solving the eigenvalue problem on the finer mesh directly. Some numerical results are used to confirm the theoretical analysis.