Solution of problems in dynamic elasticity via a mixed least squares method

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an original mixed least squares method for solving problems in dynamic elasticity. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed approach involves two different types of unknowns: velocities and stresses. The approximate solution to the dynamic elasticity equations is obtained via a minimization of a least squares functional, consisting of two terms: a term, which includes the squared residual of a weak form of the time rate of the constitutive relationships, expressed in terms of velocities and stresses, and a term, which depends on the squared residual of the equations of motion. At each time step the functional is minimized with respect to the velocities and stresses, which for the purpose of this study, are approximated by equal order piece-wise linear polynomial functions. The time discretization is based upon the backward Euler scheme. The displacements are computed from the obtained velocities in terms of a finite difference interpolation. The proposed theoretical formulation is given the general three-dimensional case and is tested numerically on the solution of one-dimensional wave equations. Findings – To test the performance of the method, it has been implemented in an original computer code, using object-oriented logic and written from scratch. Two one-dimensional problems from the mathematical physics, with well-known exact analytical solutions, have been solved. The numerical examples include a forced vibrating spring, fixed at its both ends and a rod, vibrating under its own weight, when one of its ends is fixed and the other is traction-free. The performed convergence study suggests that the method is convergent for both: velocities and stresses. The obtained results show excellent agreement between the exact and analytical solutions for displacement modes, velocities and stresses. It is observed that this method appears to be stable for the different mesh sizes and time step values. Originality/value – The mixed least squares formulation, described in this paper, serves as a basis for interesting future developments and applications to two and three-dimensional problems in dynamic elasticity.