Theoretical basis and general optimal formulations of isoparametric generalized hybrid/mixed element model for improved stress analysis

Abstract

By the modified three-field Hu-Washizu principle, this paper establishes a theoretical foundation and general convenient formulations to generate convergent stable generalized hybrid/mixed element (GH/ME) model which is invariant with respect to coordinate, insensitive to geometric distortion and suitable for improved stress computation. In the two proposed formulations, the stress equilibrium and orthogonality constraints are imposed through incompatible displacement and internal strain modes respectively. The proposed model by the general formulations in this paper is characterized by including assumed stress/strain, assumed stress, variable-node, singular, compatible and incompatible GH/ME models. When using regular meshes or the constant values of the isoparametric Jacobian Det in the assumed strain interpolation, the incompatible GH/ME model degenerates to the hybrid/mixed element model. Both general and concrete guidelines for the optimal selection of element shape functions are suggested. By means of the GH/ME theory in this paper, a family of new GH/ME can be and have been easily constructed. The software can also be developed conveniently because all the standard subroutines for the corresponding isoparametric displacement elements can be utilized directly.