Abstract

As one kind of meshless methods, the natural element method (NEM) constructs shape functions based on the Voronoi diagrams, and it has advantages of both the conventional meshless method and the finite element method. Since the nodes are independent of the integral mesh, it is more suitable for the analysis of seepage with a free surface than the finite element method. In addition, its shape functions satisfy the Kronecker δ conditions, therefore, its boundary conditions can be dealt with much easily than those of such meshless method as element-free Galerkin method (EFGM). In this paper, the NEM was used in the seepage analysis of dams. The initial free surface was assumed first in the calculations, and the location of the free surface was adjusted according to the calculation results. The examples showed that the natural element method lead to satisfactory results.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.