Dynamic solid mechanics using finite volume methods

A procedure for evaluating the dynamic structural response of elastic solid domains is presented. A prerequisite for the analysis of dynamic fluid–structure interaction is the use of a consistent set of finite volume (FV) methods on a single unstructured mesh. This paper describes a three-dimensional (3D) FV, vertex-based method for dynamic solid mechanics. A novel Newmark predictor–corrector implicit scheme was developed to provide time accurate solutions and the scheme was evaluated on a 3D cantilever problem. By employing a small amount of viscous damping, very accurate predictions of the fundamental natural frequency were obtained with respect to both the amplitude and period of oscillation. This scheme has been implemented into the multi-physics modelling software framework, Physica, for later application to full dynamic fluid structure interaction.     

An enhanced finite volume method to model 2D linear elastic structures

This paper details the evaluation and enhancement of the vertex-centred finite volume method for the purpose of modelling linear elastic structures undergoing bending. A matrix-free edge-based finite volume procedure is discussed and compared with the traditional isoparametric finite element method via application to a number of test-cases. It is demonstrated that the standard finite volume approach exhibits similar disadvantages to the linear Q4 finite element formulation when modelling bending. An enhanced finite volume approach is proposed to circumvent this and a rigorous error analysis conducted. It is demonstrated that the developed finite volume method is superior to both standard finite volume and Q4 finite element methods, and provides a practical alternative to the analysis of bending-dominated solid mechanics problems.     

A mixed differential quadrature and finite element free vibration and buckling analysis of thick beams on two-parameter elastic foundations

As a first endeavor, a mixed differential quadrature (DQ) and finite element (FE) method for boundary value structural problems in the context of free vibration and buckling analysis of thick beams supported on two-parameter elastic foundations is presented. The formulations are based on the two-dimensional theory of elasticity. The problem domain along axial direction is discretized using finite elements. The resulting system of equations and the related boundary conditions are discretized in the thickness direction and in strong-form using DQM. The method benefits from low computational efforts of the DQ in conjunction with the effectiveness of the FE method in general geometry and systematic boundary treatment resulting in highly accurate and fast convergence behavior solution. The boundary conditions at the top and bottom surface of the beams are implemented accurately. The presented formulations provide an effective analysis tool for beams free of shear locking. Comparisons are made with results from elasticity solutions as well as higher-order beam theory.     

A geometrically nonlinear finite element model of nanomaterials with consideration of surface effects

In conventional continuum mechanics, the surface energy is usually small and negligible. But at nano-length scale, it becomes a significant part of the total elastic energy due to the high specific surface area of nanomaterials. A geometrically nonlinear finite element (FE) model of nanomaterials with considering surface effects is developed in this paper. The aim is to extend the conventional finite element method (FEM) to analyze the size-dependent mechanical properties of nanomaterials. A numerical example, analysis of InAs quantum dot (QD) on GaAs (0 0 1) substrate, is given in this paper to verify the validity of the method and demonstrate surface effects on the stress fields of QDs.     

Calculation of the Stress–Strain State of Plates Containing Cracks

A procedure for numerical modeling of the behavior of various planar samples of construction materials containing static and moving cracks under dynamic loading is formulated on the basis of the model of a linearly elastic solid and the application of a continuum mechanics approach. Calculations are carried out by a modified finite element method using a Lagrangian differencing scheme. The results of test calculations are given for comparison with data from a physical experiment. The comparison favorably supports the reliability of the results.     

Numerical resolvent methods for constrained problems in mechanics

Resolvent methods are presented for generating systematically iterative numerical algorithms for constrained problems in mechanics. The abstract framework corresponds to a general mixed finite element subdifferential model, with dual and primal evolution versions, which is shown to apply to problems of fluid dynamics, transport phenomena and solid mechanics, among others. In this manner, Uzawa’s type methods and penalization-duality schemes, as well as macro-hybrid formulations, are generalized to non necessarily potential nonlinear mechanical problems.     

Model order reduction of finite element models: improved component mode synthesis

The finite element (FE) approach constitutes an essential methodology when modelling the elastic properties of structures in various research disciplines such as structural mechanics, engine dynamics and so on. Because of increased accuracy requirements, the FE method results in discretized models, which are described by higher order ordinary differential equations, or, in FE terms, by a large number of degrees of freedom (DoF). In this regard, the application of an additional methodology, referred to as the model order reduction (MOR) or DoF condensation, is rather compulsory. Herein, a reduced dimension set of ordinary differential equations is generated, i.e. the initially large number of DoF is condensed, while aiming to keep the dynamics of the original model as intact as possible. In the commercially available FE software tools, the static and the component mode syntheses (CMS) are the only available integrated condensation methods. The latter represents the state of the art generating well-correlated reduced order models (ROMs), which can be further utilized for FE or multi-body systems simulations. Taking into consideration the information loss of the CMS, which is introduced by its part-static nature, the improved CMS (ICMS) method is proposed. Here the algorithmic scheme of the standard CMS is adopted, which is qualitatively improved by adequately considering the advantageous characteristics of another MOR approach, the so-called improved reduction system method. The ICMS results in better correlated reduced order models in comparison to all the aforementioned methods, while preserving the required structural properties of the original FE model.     

Strategies for the Computation of Configurational Forces in Dissipative Media

Configurational forces can be interpreted as driving forces on material inhomogeneities such as crack tips. In dissipative media the total configurational force on an inhomogeneity consists of an elastic contribution and a contribution due to the dissipative processes in the material. For the computation of discrete configurational forces acting at the nodes of a finite element mesh, the elastic and dissipative contributions must be evaluated at integration point level. While the evaluation of the elastic contribution is straightforward, the evaluation of the dissipative part is faced with certain difficulties. This is because gradients of internal variables are necessary in order to compute the dissipative part of the configurational force. For the sake of efficiency, these internal variables are usually treated as local history data at integration point level in finite element (FE) implementations. Thus, the history data needs to be projected to the nodes of the FE mesh in order to compute the gradients by means of shape function interpolations of nodal data as it is standard practice. However, this is a rather cumbersome method which does not easily integrate into standard finite element frameworks. An alternative approach which facilitates the computation of gradients of local history data is investigated in this work. This approach is based on the definition of subelements within the elements of the FE mesh and allows for a straightforward integration of the configurational force computation into standard finite element software. The suitability and the numerical accuracy of different projection approaches and the subelement technique are discussed and analyzed exemplarily within the context of a crystal plasticity model. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Assessment of structural analysis technology for static collapse of elastic cylindrical shells

The prediction of the ultimate load-carrying capability for compressively loaded shell structures is a challenging nonlinear analysis problem. Selected areas of finite element technology research and nonlinear solution technology are assessed. Herein, a finite element analysis procedure is applied to four cylindrical shell collapse problems which have been used by computational structural mechanics researchers in the past. This assessment will focus on a number of different shell element formulations and on different approaches used to account for geometric nonlinearities. The results presented confirm that these aspects of nonlinear shell analysis can have a significant effect on the predicted nonlinear structural response. All analyses were performed using a single software system which allowed a convenient assessment of different element formulations with a consistent approach to solving the discretized nonlinear equations.     

Finite elements using absolute nodal coordinates for large-deformation flexible multibody dynamics

A family of structural finite elements using a modern absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is discussed in the paper with many applications. This approach has been initiated in 1996 by A. Shabana. It introduces large displacements of 2D/3D finite elements relative to the global reference frame without using any local frame. The elements employ finite slopes as nodal variables and can be considered as generalizations of ordinary finite elements that use infinitesimal slopes. In contrast to other large deformation formulations, the equations of motion contain constant mass matrices and generalized gravity forces as well as zero centrifugal and Coriolis inertia forces. The only nonlinear term is a vector of elastic forces. This approach allows applying known abstractions of real elastic bodies: Euler–Bernoulli beams, Timoshenko beams and more general models as well as Kirchhoff and Mindlin plate theories.     

Toward a Hybrid-Trefftz element with a hole for elasto-plasticity?

The paper deals with the modelling of riveted assemblies for full-scale complete aircraft crashworthiness. Many comparisons between experiments and FE computations of bird impacts onto aluminium riveted panels have shown that macroscopic plastic strains were not sufficiently developed (and localised) in the riveted shell FE in the impact area. Consequently, FE models never succeed in initialising and propagating the rupture in the sheet metal plates and along rivet rows as shown by experiments, without calibrating the input data (especially the damage and failure properties of the riveted shell FE). To model the assembly correctly, it appears necessary to investigate on FE techniques such as Hybrid-Trefftz finite element method (H-T FEM). Indeed, perforated FE plates developed for elastic problems, based on a Hybrid-Trefftz formulation, have been found in the open literature. Our purpose is to find a way to extend this formulation so that the super-element can be used for crashworthiness. To reach this aim, the main features of an elastic Hybrid-Trefftz plate are presented and are then followed by a discussion on the possible extensions. Finally, the interpolation functions of the element are evaluated numerically.     

Analysis and computation of a least-squares method for consistent mesh tying

In the finite element method, a standard approach to mesh tying is to apply Lagrange multipliers. If the interface is curved, however, discretization generally leads to adjoining surfaces that do not coincide spatially. Straightforward Lagrange multiplier methods lead to discrete formulations failing a first-order patch test [T.A. Laursen, M.W. Heinstein, Consistent mesh-tying methods for topologically distinct discretized surfaces in non-linear solid mechanics, Internat. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 57 (2003) 1197–1242].     

Modeling of viscoelastic contact-impact problems

An accurate finite element (FE) model for analyzing the response of viscoelastic structure under low-velocity impact is presented. Generalized standard linear solid (Wiechert) model is adopted to simulate the internal damping of the structure, because its capability of describing both creep and relaxation phenomena adequately. Newmark time integration scheme is proposed to transfer the problem into a static one for each time increment. The incremental convex programming method is modified to accommodate viscoelastic dynamic-contact problems. The Lagrange multiplier technique is selected to incorporate the contact condition. One, two and three-dimensional finite element model is presented to compare between the elastic and viscoelastic materials.     

Numerical–analytical model for transient dynamics of elastic-plastic plate under eccentric low-velocity impact

The aim of this study is to present an efficient model for the analysis of complicated nonlinear transient dynamics of an elastic-plastic plate subjected to a transversely eccentric low-velocity impact. A mixed numerical–analytical model is presented to predict the transient dynamic behaviours consisting of either plate impact responses or wave propagations induced by the impact in a plate with an arbitrary shape and support. This hybrid approach has been validated by comparison with results of laboratory tests performed on an elastic-perfectly plastic narrow plate eccentrically struck by an elastic sphere, and results of a three-dimensional finite element (FE) analysis for an elastic-perfectly plastic simply-supported rectangular plate eccentrically struck by an elastic sphere. The advantages of this hybrid approach are in the simplification of local contact force formulation, computational efficiency over the FE model, and convenient application to parametric study for eccentric impact behaviour. The hybrid approach can provide accurate predictions of the plate impact responses and plate wave propagations.     

Portfolio optimization by minimizing conditional value-at-risk via nondifferentiable optimization

Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) is a portfolio evaluation function having appealing features such as sub-additivity and convexity. Although the CVaR function is nondifferentiable, scenario-based CVaR minimization problems can be reformulated as linear programs (LPs) that afford solutions via widely-used commercial softwares. However, finding solutions through LP formulations for problems having many financial instruments and a large number of price scenarios can be time-consuming as the dimension of the problem greatly increases. In this paper, we propose a two-phase approach that is suitable for solving CVaR minimization problems having a large number of price scenarios. In the first phase, conventional differentiable optimization techniques are used while circumventing nondifferentiable points, and in the second phase, we employ a theoretically convergent, variable target value nondifferentiable optimization technique. The resultant two-phase procedure guarantees infinite convergence to optimality. As an optional third phase, we additionally perform a switchover to a simplex solver starting with a crash basis obtained from the second phase when finite convergence to an exact optimum is desired. This three phase procedure substantially reduces the effort required in comparison with the direct use of a commercial stand-alone simplex solver (CPLEX 9.0). Moreover, the two-phase method provides highly-accurate near-optimal solutions with a significantly improved performance over the interior point barrier implementation of CPLEX 9.0 as well, especially when the number of scenarios is large. We also provide some benchmarking results on using an alternative popular proximal bundle nondifferentiable optimization technique.     

Application of the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method in small deformation regimes

In this paper, a finite element formulation is defined in the framework of the discontinuous Galerkin method. Discontinuous Galerkin (dG) methods are classically used in fluid mechanics, however recently their application in solid mechanics has become more vivid among scientists. Of special interest is their application in elliptic problems with constraints such as incompressibility which leads to volumetric locking phenomenon and also in some structural models of shells, plates and beams with compatibility constraints, which brings about shear locking [1]. While classical standard Galerkin methods must be continuous, dG methods can be applied for discontinuities across element boundaries, where a jump of a value (displacement) can be observed. In the present work, a dG method is applied to a linear elastic bar, where a weak discontinuity is allowed in the bar. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Peridynamics via finite element analysis

Peridynamics is a recently developed theory of solid mechanics that replaces the partial differential equations of the classical continuum theory with integral equations. Since the integral equations remain valid in the presence of discontinuities such as cracks, the method has the potential to model fracture and damage with great generality and without the complications of mathematical singularities that plague conventional continuum approaches. Although a discretized form of the peridynamic integral equations has been implemented in a meshless code called EMU, the objective of the present paper is to describe how the peridynamic model can also be implemented in a conventional finite element analysis (FEA) code using truss elements. Since FEA is arguably the most widely used tool for structural analysis, this implementation may hasten the verification of peridynamics and significantly broaden the range of problems that the practicing analyst might attempt. Also, the present work demonstrates that different subregions of a model can be solved with either the classical partial differential equations or the peridynamic equations in the same calculation thus combining the efficiency of FEA with the generality of peridynamics. Several example problems show the equivalency of the FEA and the meshless peridynamic approach as well as demonstrate the utility and robustness of the method for problems involving fracture, damage and penetration.     

Identification of material behavior via a Finite Element Model Updating strategy

In this paper an inverse and iterative method for the identification of material behavior is presented, based on the Finite Element Model Updating (FEMU) strategy. The FE simulations are performed with a commercial FE software code, using a self-implemented elastic material model at finite strain. The iterative identification procedure is based on an experimental test (numerical) whose measured kinematic values are compared to the corresponding simulated ones. Through an optimization algorithm the material parameters are varied in a way that the least-squares sum of the kinematic values is minimized and the optimal material parameters yielding the material behavior are identified. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Augmented Macro-Hybrid Mixed Finite Element Schemes for Elastic Contact Problems

On a setting of subdifferential models, variational augmented macro-hybrid mixed finite element schemes are formulated and analyzed for elastic unilateral contact problems with prescribed friction. Composition duality principles determine primal and dual mixed solvability, adopting coupling surjectivity for dualization. Macro-hybridization corresponds to nonoverlapping decompositions of elastic solid body systems, with displacement continuity and traction equilibrium transmission conditions dualized. In general, traction and displacement multipliers synchronize sub-bodies through nonmatching finite element interfaces. Three-field formulations give the basis for variational augmentation, in a sense of exact penalization, allowing speed-up of rates of convergence as well as proximation procedures of parallel numerical resolution algorithms.     

On coupled problems in geomechanics

Geomechanical problems are generally based on the category of granular, cohesive-frictional materials with a fluid pore content. At the macroscopic scale of continuum mechanics, these materials can be successfully described on the basis of the well-founded Theory of Porous Media (TPM) [1]. The present contribution touches fundamental problems of coupled media by investigating the interacting behaviour of an elasto-viscoplastic porous solid skeleton, the soil, and two pore fluids, water and air. Furthermore, electro-chemical reactions are considered in order to include the swelling behaviour of active soil. In conclusion, this leads to a system of strongly coupled partial differential equations (PDE) that can be solved by use of the finite element method (FEM). In particular, the presentation includes fluid-flow situations in the fully or the partially saturated range, swelling phenomena of active clay [3] as well as localisation phenomena [2] as a result of fluid flow or heavy rainfall events. The computations are carried out by use of the single-processor FE tool PANDAS [4] and, in case of large 3-d problems, by coupling PANDAS with the multi-processor solver M++. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)