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.     

Hypersingular kernel integration in 3D Galerkin boundary element method

We consider Cauchy singular and Hypersingular boundary integral equations associated with 3D potential problems defined on polygonal domains, whose solutions are approximated with a Galerkin boundary element method, related to a given triangulation of the boundary. In particular, for constant and linear shape functions, the most frequently used basis functions, we give explicit results of the analytical inner integrations and suggest suitable quadrature schemes to evaluate the outer integrals required to form the Galerkin matrix elements. These numerical indications are given after an analysis of the singularities arising in the whole integration process, which is valid also for shape functions of higher degrees.     

A finite element method for interface problems in domains with smooth boundaries and interfaces

This paper is concerned with the analysis of a finite element method for nonhomogeneous second order elliptic interface problems on smooth domains. The method consists in approximating the domains by polygonal domains, transferring the boundary data in a natural way, and then applying a finite element method to the perturbed problem on the approximate polygonal domains. It is shown that the error in the finite element approximation is of optimal order for linear elements on a quasiuniform triangulation. As such the method is robust in the regularity of the data in the original problem.     

Special finite elements including stress concentration effects of a hole

Special finite elements are developed for efficient evaluation of stress concentration around a hole in complex structures. The complex variable formulation is used to derive a special set of stress functions which embody the stress concentration effects of a hole. The stress functions in combination with an independent displacement field assumed along the element boundary are used to construct the special elements with the hybrid displacement finite element method. Several numerical examples are presented to show that the used of special finite elements to model critical regions around a hole, together with conventional finite elements to model other regions away from the hole, is not only very convenient but also highly accurate.     

Evolutionary structural optimization for problems with stiffness constraints

This paper presents a simple evolutionary procedure based on finite element analysis to minimize the weight of structures while satisfying stiffness requirements. At the end of each finite element analysis, a sensitivity number, indicating the change in the stiffness due to removal of each element, is calculated and elements which make the least change in the stiffness; of a structure are subsequently removed from the structure. The final design of a structure may have its weight significantly reduced while the displacements at prescribed locations are kept within the given limits. The proposed method is capable of performing simultaneous shape and topology optimization. A wide range of problems including those with multiple displacement constraints, multiple load cases and moving loads are considered. It is shown that existing solutions of structural optimization with stiffness constraints can easily be reproduced by this proposed simple method. In addition some original shape and layout optimization results are presented.     

Hybrid-conventional finite element for gradient-dependent plasticity

The hybrid-conventional finite element method is applied to the analysis of quasi-static, gradient-dependent elastoplastic problems in solid mechanics. The stresses within the element domain and the displacements on the boundary are simultaneously and independently approximated using Trefftz constraints, which lead to boundary integrals. The plastic multipliers are conventionally approximated with regard to C₀ continuity of the multiplier field of the gradient-dependent plasticity. The finite element formulation is derived using a Galerkin-weighted residual approach. The plastic boundary conditions are examined and plastic radiations are set to zero on the plastic boundaries. The effectiveness of the present method is demonstrated with three numerical applications.     

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     

Topology optimization of periodic Mindlin plates

Periodic structures exhibit unique dynamic characteristics that make them act as tunable mechanical filters for wave propagation. As a result, waves can propagate along the periodic structures only within specific frequency bands called the ‘pass bands’ and wave propagation is completely blocked within other frequency bands called the ‘stop bands’ or ‘band gaps’. The spectral width of these bands can be optimized using topology optimization. In this paper, topology optimization is used to maximize the fundamental natural frequency of Mindlin plates while enforcing periodicity. A finite element model for Mindlin plates is presented and used along with an optimization algorithm that accounts for the periodicity constraint in order to determine the optimal topologies of plates with various periodic configurations. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design optimization approach in generating periodic plates with optimal natural frequency and wide stop bands. The presented approach can be invaluable design tool for many structures in order to control the wave propagation in an attempt to stop/confine the propagation of undesirable disturbances.     

Displacement field analysis of the topology optimized structure

In this paper for the topology optimization process the minimum compliance approach is used with FEM as very useful method for numerical realization of the problem. During the optimization process homogenized domain changes into discrete structure which means the final structure consists of the many optimal placed bars. The analysis of the deformed structure and the deformed finite elements is done from the displacement field point of view. It can be noticed, some of the finite elements reduce their size, some of them increase their size. It depends on the element status (void-empty, stressed or not stressed). The question arises: is the topology optimization process cause of the negative Poisson ratio for some parts of the structure? (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A micromechanically motivated model for ferroelectrics combined with polygonal finite elements

Piezoelectric materials are one of the most prominent smart materials due to their strong electromechanical coupling behaviour. Ferroelectric ceramics behave like piezoelectric materials under low electrical and mechanical loads, but exhibit pronounced nonlinear response at higher loads due to microscopic domain switching. Modern smart devices consist of complex geometries that may force the ferroelectrics employed within them to experience higher fields than they were originally designed for, so that the material responds within its nonlinear region. Hence, models predicting the nonlinear effects of ferroelectrics under complex loading cases are important from the design point of view. Within standard finite element models dealing with electromechanical problems, each grain may be subdiscretized by several finite elements. This problem can be approximated or rather overcome by a polygonal finite element method, where each grain is modelled by solely one single finite element. In this contribution, a micromechanically motivated switching model for ferroelectric ceramics, as based on volume fraction concepts, is combined with polygonal finite element approach. Related representative numerical examples allow to further study and understand the nonlinear response of this material under complex loading cases. (© 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A new boundary integral equation formulation for plane orthotropic elastic media

A new boundary integral equation formulation for solving plane elasticity problems involving orthotropic media is presented in this paper. Based on the real variable fundamental solutions of the considered problems, a limit theorem for the transformation from domain integral equations into boundary integral equations (BIEs) and a novel decomposition technique to the fundamental solutions, the regularized BIEs with indirect unknowns, which do not involve the direct calculation of CPV and HFP integrals, are established. The limiting process is done in global coordinates and no separate numerical treatment for strong and weak singular integrals was necessary. The current method does not need to transform the considered problems into isotropic ones as is normally done in the existing literature, so no inverse transform is required. The numerical implementation is carried out using both discontinuous quadratic elements and exact elements, which is developed to model its boundary with negligible error. The validity of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by three numerical examples. Excellent agreement between the numerical results and exact solutions was obtained even with using small amounts of element.     

Numerical instabilities in structural optimization – analogy between topology & shape design problems

The formulation of structural optimization problems on the basis of the finite–element–method often leads to numerical instabilities resulting in non–optimal designs, which turn out to be difficult to realize from the engineering point of view. In the case of topology optimization problems the formation of designs characterized by oscillating density distributions such as the well–known “checkerboard–patterns” can be observed, whereas the solution of shape optimization problems often results in unfavourable designs with non–smooth boundary shapes caused by high–frequency oscillations of the boundary shape functions. Furthermore a strong dependence of the obtained designs on the finite–element–mesh can be observed in both cases. In this context we have already shown, that the topology design problem can be regularized by penalizing spatial oscillations of the density function by means of a penalty–approach based on the density gradient. In the present paper we apply the idea of problem regularization by penalizing oscillations of the design variable to overcome the numerical difficulties related to the shape design problem, where an analogous approach restricting the boundary surface can be introduced. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Static response and free vibration analysis of FGM plates using higher order shear deformation theory

Free vibration and static analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) plates are studied using higher order shear deformation theory with a special modification in the transverse displacement in conjunction with finite element models. The mechanical properties of the plate are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction by a simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The fundamental equations for FGM plates are derived using variational approach by considering traction free boundary conditions on the top and bottom faces of the plate. Results have been obtained by employing a continuous isoparametric Lagrangian finite element with 13 degrees of freedom per node. Convergence tests and comparison studies have been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the present model. Numerical results for different thickness ratios, aspect ratios and volume fraction index with different boundary conditions have been presented. It is observed that the natural frequency parameter increases for plate aspect ratio, lower volume fraction index n and smaller thickness ratios. It is also observed that the effect of thickness ratio on the frequency of a plate is independent of the volume fraction index. For a given thickness ratio non-dimensional deflection increases as the volume fraction index increases. It is concluded that the gradient in the material properties plays a vital role in determining the response of the FGM plates.     

Research on the Fictitious Source Points of the Hybrid Fundamental Solution⁃Based Finite Element Method for Heat Conduction Problems北大核心CSCD

针对热传导问题,提出了杂交基本解有限元法.首先,假设两个独立场:一个为利用基本解线性组合近似的单元域内温度场,另一个为使用与传统有限元法相同形式的辅助网线温度场.然后,利用修正变分泛函将上述两个独立场关联起来,并导出有限元列式.然而,该方法的准确性很大程度上取决于源点的分布和数量,通常将源点布置在单元外部两种虚拟边界上:与单元相似的边界和圆形边界.此外,还提出了双重虚拟边界,并与上述两种源点布局方式进行对比.通过两个典型数值算例,验证了该文方法在不同源点布局下的有效性和对网格畸变的不敏感性.     

Nonconforming h-p spectral element methods for elliptic problems

In this paper we show that we can use a modified version of the h-p spectral element method proposed in [6,7,13,14] to solve elliptic problems with general boundary conditions to exponential accuracy on polygonal domains using nonconforming spectral element functions. A geometrical mesh is used in a neighbourhood of the corners. With this mesh we seek a solution which minimizes the sum of a weighted squared norm of the residuals in the partial differential equation and the squared norm of the residuals in the boundary conditions in fractional Sobolev spaces and enforce continuity by adding a term which measures the jump in the function and its derivatives at inter-element boundaries, in fractional Sobolev norms, to the functional being minimized. In the neighbourhood of the corners, modified polar coordinates are used and a global coordinate system elsewhere. A stability estimate is derived for the functional which is minimized based on the regularity estimate in [2]. We examine how to parallelize the method and show that the set of common boundary values consists of the values of the function at the corners of the polygonal domain. The method is faster than that proposed in [6,7,14] and the h-p finite element method and stronger error estimates are obtained.     

Large scale structural synthesis

A general purpose optimization program is coupled to a large scale finite element program to provide an efficient tool for structural synthesis. The resulting interface program may be used to design structures for minimum weight, subject to constraints on stress, displacement, and vibration frequencies. A variety of state-of-the-art techniques are employed, including design variable linking, constraint deletion, reciprocal variables, and formal approximations. The capability is demonstrated with the design of a gear housing using 30 design variables and over 5000 nonlinear inequality constraints. The finite element model consists of over 1600 elements and 7000 displacement degrees of freedom. The design required six detailed finite element analyses and approximately one hour on a Cray-1s supercomputer. It is concluded that structures of practical size and complexity can be efficiently designed using numerical optimization.     

Continuous finite element methods for Reissner-Mindlin plate problem

On triangle or quadrilateral meshes, two finite element methods are proposed for solving the Reissner-Mindlin plate problem either by augmenting the Galerkin formulation or modifying the plate-thickness. In these methods, the transverse displacement is approximated by conforming (bi)linear macroelements or (bi)quadratic elements, and the rotation by conforming (bi)linear elements. The shear stress can be locally computed from transverse displacement and rotation. Uniform in plate thickness, optimal error bounds are obtained for the transverse displacement, rotation, and shear stress in their natural norms. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.     

A study of design velocity field computation for shape optimal design

Design velocity field computation is an important step in computing shape design sensitivity coefficients and updating a finite element mesh in the shape design optimization process. Applying an inappropriate design velocity field for shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization will yield inaccurate sensitivity results or a distorted finite element mesh, and thus fail in achieving an optimal solution. In this paper, theoretical regularity and practical requirements of the design velocity field are discussed. The crucial step of using the design velocity field to update the finite element mesh in the design optimization process is emphasized. Available design velocity field computation methods in the literature are summarized and their applicability for shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization is discussed. Five examples are employed to discuss applicability of these methods. It was found that a combination of isoparametric mapping and boundary displacement methods is ideal for the design velocity field computation.     

On the Finite Element Analysis of Problems with Nonlinear Newton Boundary Conditions in Nonpolygonal Domains

The paper is concerned with the study of an elliptic boundary value problem with a nonlinear Newton boundary condition considered in a two-dimensional nonpolygonal domain with a curved boundary. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the continuous problem is a consequence of the monotone operator theory. The main attention is paid to the effect of the basic finite element variational crimes: approximation of the curved boundary by a polygonal one and the evaluation of integrals by numerical quadratures. With the aid of some important properties of Zlamal's ideal triangulation and interpolation, the convergence of the method is analyzed.     

On Solution to an Optimal Shape Design Problem in 3-Dimensional Linear Magnetostatics

In this paper we present theoretical, computational, and practical aspects concerning 3-dimensional shape optimization governed by linear magnetostatics. The state solution is approximated by the finite element method using Nédélec elements on tetrahedra. Concerning optimization, the shape controls the interface between the air and the ferromagnetic parts while the whole domain is fixed. We prove the existence of an optimal shape. Then we state a finite element approximation to the optimization problem and prove the convergence of the approximated solutions. In the end, we solve the problem for the optimal shape of an electromagnet that arises in the research on magnetooptic effects and that was manufactured afterwards.