A GPU Based Explicit Solid-Shell Finite Element Solver

Abstract

In this work we present a co-rotational/updated Lagrangian, strain-rate based explicit finite element code which uses hexahedral solid-shell tri-linear elements, intended for simulation of the incremental sheet forming (ISF) process. This element is based heavily on the elements described in [1, 2, 3]: it is under-integrated with a single stack of stress integration points in the thickness direction passing through the elements center; it uses Assumed Natural Strain (ANS) interpolates for the thickness and transverse shear strains; it uses a single parameter Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) for the thickness strain; and it selectively scales the mass in the through thickness direction to increase the stable time-step. We combine these methods with a hypo-elastic constitutive model to simulate the ISF process. Initial results obtained with a GPU implementation of the element are presented.