Variational Integrators for Thermo-Viscoelastic Discrete Systems

Variational integrators are modern time-integration schemes based on a discretization of the underlying variational principle. In this paper, Hamilton's principle is approximated by an action sum, whose vanishing variation results in discrete Euler-Lagrange equations or, equivalently, in discrete evolution equations for the position and momentum. In order to include the viscous and thermal virtual work (mechanical and thermal virtual dissipation), Hamilton's principle is extended by D'Alembert terms, which account for the time evolution equation of the internal variable and Fourier's law. From this variational formulation, variational integrators using different orders of approximation of the state variables as well as of the quadrature of the action integral are constructed and compared. A thermo-viscoelastic double pendulum comprised of two discrete masses connected by generalized Maxwell elements, and subject to heat conduction between them serves as a discrete model problem. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)