Classical Finite Element Research Articles

On a space-time implementation of the wave equation using virtual elements

AbstractThe virtual element method (VEM) was developed not too long ago, starting with the paper (Beirão-da-Veiga et al. in SIAM J Numer Anal 51:794–812, 2013) related to elasticity in solid mechanics. The virtual element method allows to revisit the construction of different elements, however has so far not applied to space-time formulations for one-dimensional structural elements like strings, trusses and beams. Here we study several VEM elements suitable for space-time formulations that are build upon the Hamilton’s principle. It will be shown that these elements can be easily incorporated in classical finite element codes since they have the same number of unknowns. Furthermore, we show that the property of VEM to deal with non-conforming meshes is of special interest for holistic space time formulation: VEM formulations allow locally varying time discretizations (time increments) in a natural and efficient way.

Analysis of the Vibration Effect on the Trailing Edge Noise for Wind Turbine Applications

The noise emitted is a factor in determining the location for installing wind turbines. It can be a concern for people living near wind farms due to the nuisance and health problems caused by noise emissions. Therefore, noise estimation is one of the most relevant aspects of wind turbine design. Aerodynamic noise can be caused by air motion around the turbine blades. This can create a swooshing or whooshing sound as the blades pass through the air. Aerodynamic noise tends to be more prominent at higher wind speeds when the turbine is operating at full capacity. The trailing edge noise is the main source of wind turbine aerodynamic noise. In this work, semi-analytical solutions for modeling this effect are used. The Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic analogy is used to predict far-field noise generated by wind turbine blades moving in the air. The equations of the rotor–tower–nacelle structure are obtained by the classical finite element method for a typical onshore wind turbine to predict the blade vibration signal. This new formulation is applied to rotating sources and statistical analysis of broadband trailing edge noise. The novelty of this work is to model the acoustic–structure interaction between the wind flow and the blade structure vibration. In this context, the acoustic far-field pressure emissions are modified by source vibration. In this point, this work compares the acoustic pressure values from rigid and flexible sources. Once the relationship between acoustic emission and wind turbine structural vibration is determined, the potential application of this research is, for example, to provide valuable information about the health and integrity of the blades. Thus, the goal of this work is to predict the aerodynamic noise of a typical large wind turbine taking into account its structural behavior. Therefore, Formulation 1A is used to calculate the far-field noise radiated from the trailing edge of wind turbine blades in a low Mach number flow. The vibration effects are input variables to evaluate the intensity and acoustic pressure values. Some computational aspects are discussed and the numerical model is clarified. The acoustic predictions are validated with analytical results and experimental measurements that are available in the scientific literature. The numerical results of the FW-H acoustic analogy demonstrate that the aerodynamic noise value is predominantly low frequency in the sections closest to the source.

3D Controlled‐source electromagnetic modelling in anisotropic media using secondary potentials and a cascadic multigrid solver

AbstractQuantitative interpretation of the data from controlled‐source electromagnetic methods, whether via forward modelling or inversion, requires solving a considerable number of forward problems, and multigrid methods are often employed to accelerate the solving process. In this study, a new extrapolation cascadic multigrid method is employed to solve the large sparse complex linear system arising from the finite element approximation of Maxwell's equations using secondary potentials. The equations using secondary potentials are discretized by the classic nodal finite element method on nonuniform rectilinear grids. The resulting linear systems are solved by the extrapolation cascadic multigrid method with a new prolongation operator and preconditioned Stabilized bi‐conjugate gradient method smoother. High‐order interpolation and global extrapolation formulas are utilized to construct the multigrid prolongation operator. The extrapolation cascadic multigrid method with the new prolongation operator is easier to implement and more flexible in application than the original one. Finally, several synthetic examples including layered models, models with anisotropic anomalous bodies or layers, are used to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Numerical results show that the extrapolation cascadic multigrid method improves the efficiency of 3D controlled‐source electromagnetic forward modelling a lot, compared with traditional iterative solvers and some state‐of‐the‐art methods or software (e.g., preconditioned flexible generalized minimal residual method, emg3d) in the considered models and grid settings. The efficiency benefit is more evident as the number of unknowns increases, and the proposed method is more efficient at low frequencies. The extrapolation cascadic multigrid method can also be used to solve systems of equations arising from related applications, such as induction logging, airborne electromagnetic, etc.

Nonlinear Model for LTB Prediction of RHS Beams Under Combined Axial and Bending Loads With Distortional Deformation Allowed

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study is to develop an efficient and accurate analytical model for the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) prediction of RHS beams. To this end, a coherent nonlinear geometric theory is formulated assuming large torsion angles. This theory is based on a new kinematic model that incorporates the distortion deformations in addition to the bending and torsion ones. Ritz's method is employed to discretize the governing equilibrium equations basing on trigonometric shape functions, and then the eigenvalue problem is defined according to the fundamental state. The Buckling loads are obtained by imposing the singularity condition of the tangential stiffness matrix. The numerical investigation is carried out to prove the accuracy of the proposed model in LTB load evaluation, when compared with the nonlinear shell finite element simulation using Abaqus software. The numerical results reveal that the classical linear models associated with moderate torsion angles, such as those provided by Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) and the classical eigenvalue shell finite element method, tend to underestimate the correct value of LTB loads of simply supported RHS beams. In accordance with linear and non‐linear models, the numerical study is focused on the impact of load height, intensity of introduced compressive load and section ratio b/h in the LTB loads prediction.

Multiscale image-based modeling for failure prediction of sheet molding compound composite under uniaxial tension

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are extensively utilized as primary load-bearing components in various engineering applications due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio and excellent mechanical properties. However, their intricate microstructural interactions within composite present a significant challenge for failure analysis of CFRP. Although finite element (FE) simulations have been proven feasible to conduct the failure analysis, the classical FE models are developed based on homogeneous fiber characteristics, ignoring the influence of internal structures on the damage evolution process. This paper presents a multiscale image-based modeling approach to predict the tensile failure procedure of chopped carbon fiber sheet molding compound (SMC) composite. To accurately reconstruct the representative volume element (RVE) model of the SMC composite, synchrotron micro-X-ray computed tomography (μXCT) was adapted to explore the SMC internal microstructure. Then microscale RVE models with different fiber volume fractions were constructed to predict the corresponding microcosmic mechanical properties, which were used as the inputs for mesoscale RVE models to determine the constitutive parameters of fiber chips having varied fiber volume and orientations. Finally, the YOLOv5_Seg algorithm was employed to extract the geometric feature parameters of the fiber chips for mesoscale RVE modeling and then the failure location and sequence under uniaxial tension were predicted. It is found that the final simulated failure behaviors were consistent with the experimental observations, confirming the feasibility of this approach for understanding the failure mechanisms of CFRP composites. Thus, once the internal microstructure is determined using experimental techniques or predicted by simulating the composite manufacturing process, this approach can also be utilized for design optimization and performance evaluation for CFRP composites.

Discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the continuum radiative transfer problem inside axis-symmetric circumstellar envelopes

Context. The study of the continuum radiative transfer problem inside circumstellar envelopes is both a theoretical and numerical challenge, especially in the frequency-dependent and multi-dimensional case. While approximate methods are easier to handle numerically, they often fail to accurately describe the radiation field inside complex geometries. For these cases, it is necessary to directly solve the radiative transfer equation numerically. Aims. We investigate the accuracy of the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DGFEM hereafter) applied to the frequency-dependent two-dimensional radiative transfer problem, and coupled with the radiative equilibrium equation. We next used this method in the context of axis-symmetric circumstellar envelopes. Methods. The DGFEM is a variant of finite element methods. It employs discontinuous elements and flux integrals along their boundaries, ensuring local flux conservation. However, as opposed to the classical finite element methods, the solution is discontinuous across element edges. We implemented this approach in a code and tested its accuracy by comparing our results with the benchmarks from the literature. Results. For all the tested cases, the temperatures profiles agree within one percent. Additionally, the emerging spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and images, obtained by ray-tracing techniques from the DGFEM emissivity, agree on average within 5% and 10%, respectively. Conclusions. We show that the DGFEM can accurately describe the continuum radiative transfer problem inside axis-symmetric circumstellar envelopes. Consecutively the emerging SEDs and images are also well reproduced. The DGFEM provides an alternative method (other than Monte-Carlo methods for instance) for solving the radiative transfer equation, and it could be used in cases that are more difficult to handle with the other methods.

Deep learning method for finding eigenpairs in Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problems

Solving the eigenvalue problem for differential equations in inhomogeneous media poses a significant challenge across diverse scientific fields. While classical finite difference methods and finite element methods have produced numerous outcomes, they heavily rely on discretizing the computational domain, which can introduce complexities and limitations. In this study, we present an unsupervised neural network approach tailored for finding eigenpairs in Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problems within inhomogeneous media. Our method introduces eigenvalues as trainable parameters, crafts a novel cost function, incorporates an adaptive hyper-parameter tuning strategy, and sequentially trains the eigenpairs. The simplicity, accuracy, and interpretability of our approach significantly expand its applicability across various domains. The method we present in this paper can easily tackle boundary value conditions with derivatives, resulting in orthogonal eigenfunctions. This is a very important advantage of deep learning methods that has not yet been noticed. Quantitative estimation of eigenpairs is given for the Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problems. Furthermore, we extend the proposed methodology to tackle two-dimensional cases, periodic scenarios, demonstrating its versatility and broad potential. For more information see https://ejde.math.txstate.edu/Volumes/2024/53/abstr.html

A modified bond-based peridynamic approach for rigid projectile perforation on concrete slabs

Peridynamic (PD) has a unique advantage in describing the crack growth and fragmentation of brittle materials. Concerning the dynamic behaviors and failure patterns of concrete slabs under projectile perforations, a modified bond-based PD approach maintaining both the easy implementation and computational stability characteristics was firstly developed from the following three aspects, (i) a rate-dependent PD constitutive model was proposed for describing the dynamic behaviors of concrete; (ii) a progressive damage criterion considering the tension-compression anisotropy, softening behavior, and strain rate effect of concrete was incorporated to more accurately reproduce the damage and failure of concrete; (iii) an improved micro-modulus function related to bond length was introduced to reveal the internal length effect of bond force. Then, numerical simulations of projectile perforation on concrete slabs by utilizing the developed modified bond-based PD approach, as well as the corresponding sensitivity analyses of discretization parameters including horizon size and particle spacing were performed. Based on the recommended horizon size and particle spacing, the predicted residual velocity of projectile and failure patterns of concrete slabs exhibited an excellent agreement with the test data. Furthermore, by comparisons of the traditional bond-based PD and classical finite element methods, the superiority of developed approach in describing the perforation damage of concrete targets against projectile impact was demonstrated. Finally, the modified bond-based PD approach was employed to blind simulate the projectile normal and oblique perforating multi-layered spaced concrete target plates. It was found that the modified PD model reasonably predicted the terminal ballistic trajectory, deflection angle, and residual velocity of projectile, as well as the failure patterns of target plates. The present work provides a new way to predict the terminal ballistic effect of projectile and dynamic behaviors of concrete slabs.

Experimental Characterisation Framework for Laminate Free Edges by Digital Image Correlations and Validation of Numerical Predictions

This paper develops an accurate experimental framework to measure interlaminar strains on laminate free edges. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is used with an ultra-fine speckle pattern and macro lens to resolve strain fields with a resolution of ∼ 15 µm, allowing for through-thickness deformation and strain mapping. Data analysis techniques are developed to denoise the strain field and discount the effect of random local fibre distribution.The major application of the framework is to validate numerical predictions, and it is demonstrated on angle-ply laminates over a range of ply orientations. A micropolar-based finite-element approach was compared to both a classical finite-element approach and the DIC-acquired interlaminar strain fields. Key improvements by the results include significantly overcoming the stark inconsistency of classical normal strains, and reducing the discrepancies of shear strains from 30 % to 3 ∼ 10 %. The outcomes can be extended to destructive failure analysis and the free-edge study of various other composite architectures.

Spatio-temporal physics-informed neural networks to solve boundary value problems for classical and gradient-enhanced continua

Recent advances have prominently highlighted physics informed neural networks (PINNs) as an efficient methodology for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). The present paper proposes a proof of concept exploring the use of PINNs as an alternative to finite element (FE) solvers in both classical and gradient-enhanced solid mechanics. To this end, spatio-temporal PINNs are designed to represent continuous solutions of boundary value problems within spatio-temporal space. These PINNs directly incorporate the equilibrium and constitutive equations in their differential and rate forms, bypassing the requirement for incremental implementation. This simplifies application of PINNs to solve complex mechanical problems, particularly those involved in the context of gradient-enhanced continua. Moreover, traditional meshing is no longer required as it is replaced by a point cloud, making it possible to overcome meshing drawbacks. The results of this investigation prove the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, especially with regards to non-monotonic loading conditions and irreversible plastic deformation. Compared to classical FE approaches, the proposed spatio-temporal PINNs are more readily applied to complex problems, which are tackled in their raw form. This is especially true for gradient-enhanced continuum problems, where there is no need to introduce additional degrees of freedom as in classical FE approaches. However, PINNs training generally requires more computation time, a challenge that can be mitigated by employing the concept of transfer learning as shown in this paper. This concept, which is very useful when performing parametric studies, involves applying knowledge grained from solving one problem to another different but related one. The use of PINNs as mechanical solvers is shown to be highly promising in the forthcoming era, where advancements in GPU technology can further enhance their performance in terms of computation time.

Discrete strong extremum principles for finite element solutions of advection‐diffusion problems with nonlinear corrections

AbstractA nonlinear correction technique for finite element methods of advection‐diffusion problems on general triangular meshes is introduced. The classic linear finite element method is modified, and the resulting scheme satisfies discrete strong extremum principle unconditionally, which means that it is unnecessary to impose the well‐known restrictions on diffusion coefficients and geometry of mesh‐cell (e.g., “acute angle” condition), and we need not to perform upwind treatment on the advection term separately. Moreover, numerical example shows that when a discrete scheme does not satisfy the strong extremum principle, even if it maintains the global physical bound, non‐physical numerical oscillations may still occur within local regions where no numerical result is beyond the physical bound. Thus, it is worth to point out that our new nonlinear finite element scheme can avoid non‐physical oscillations around sharp layers in advection‐dominate regions, due to maintaining discrete strong extremum principle. Convergence rates are verified by numerical tests for both diffusion‐dominate and advection‐dominate problems.

Novel efficient iterative schemes for linear finite element approximations of elliptic optimal control problems with integral constraint on the state

Centering on a distributed optimal control problem governed by elliptic equations with a unilateral integral constraint on the state, we recall the first-order optimality conditions to explore variational formulations. The classical linear finite element method is employed to approximate the equivalent formulae. Taking into account the distinctive structural characteristics of discretized schemes, we divide the discretized optimal conditions into two equivalent matrix schemes. Subsequently, we introduce an efficient iterative algorithm designed to solve the approximation schemes. We demonstrate the convergence of our iterative algorithm and investigate its robustness and uniform optimality under a specified constraint, particularly focusing on small regularization parameters. Finally, numerical tests are conducted using various h and α to illustrate the efficiency of our proposed algorithm. These tests also validate a tremendous reduction in the number of required iterations.

A SUPS formulation for simulating unsteady natural/mixed heat convection phenomena in square cavities under intense magnetic forces

This paper presents stabilized finite element simulations of unsteady natural and mixed heat convection phenomena occurring in square enclosures. It is assumed that the enclosures are subject to intense uniform magnetic fields applied perpendicular to the vertical walls. It is well known that the classical Galerkin finite element method (GFEM) is prone to yielding nonphysical oscillations when simulating convection-dominated flows. Therefore, in order to handle such flows occurring at high Hartmann (0≤Ha≤100\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0 \\le {\\rm Ha} \\le 100$$\\end{document}) and Rayleigh (103≤Ra≤108\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$10^{3} \\le {\\rm Ra} \\le 10^{8}$$\\end{document}) numbers, the stabilization of the GFEM is accomplished with the streamline-upwind/Petrov–Galerkin and pressure-stabilizing/Petrov–Galerkin formulations. Temporal discretizations are performed with the backward Euler formula. At each time step, the nonlinear systems are linearized with the Newton–Raphson (N–R) method, and the linearized systems are solved directly using the sparse lower–upper decomposition. The incompressible flow solvers are developed in-house, run in parallel within the FEniCS ecosystem, and tested on a comprehensive set of numerical experiments with various thermal boundary conditions. Numerical simulations and comparisons reveal that the proposed formulation performs quite well at high Hartmann and Rayleigh numbers without exhibiting any significant localized or globally spread numerical instabilities. Moreover, it achieves this by using uniform meshes and only linear elements, making the formulation much more computationally efficient. Mesh convergence analyses are also performed to demonstrate the reliability of the numerical results obtained.

Isogeometric method for a nonlocal degenerate parabolic problem

In this article, we apply NURBS-based isogeometric method to solve a nonlocal degenerate parabolic problem. The isogeometric method has advantages over classical finite element method in terms of exact geometry representation and higher order smooth basis functions. We consider the NURBS-based semi-discretization of the problem. The second-order Crank–Nicolson method is applied for the complete discretization of the problem. Error estimates of the semi-discrete and fully-discrete problems are derived. Few numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical findings.

Harmonic Response of a Highly Flexible Thin Long Cantilever Beam: A Semi-Analytical Approach in Time-Domain With ANCF Modeling and Experimental Validation

Abstract The main objective of this work is to use the time variational method (TVM), a semi-analytical approach to evaluate steady-state responses in the time-domain for absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) modeled systems. The gradient-deficient ANCF beam element's performance is demonstrated for a highly flexible cantilever beam under gravity and impulse loading, with comparisons to experiments. The damping behavior is compared for the Rayleigh proportional and the Navier–Stokes (NS) damping model for a gradient-deficient ANCF beam element. Classical finite element method (FEM) beam formulation's shortcomings in predicting large deflections of thin, flexible cantilever beams are highlighted. Unlike the harmonic balance method (HBM), TVM reduces the computational time for harmonic response evaluation compared to numerical integration techniques and handles nonlinear forces in the time-domain. The harmonic response is evaluated by exciting the cantilever beam in the linear region for both experiments and TVM computations.

A mixed finite element spatial discretization scheme and a higher‐order accurate temporal discretization scheme for a strongly discontinuous electromagnetic interface condition in ideal sliding electrical contact problems

AbstractSliding electrical contact involves multiple conductors sliding in contact at different speeds, with current flowing through the contact surfaces. The Lagrangian method is commonly used to describe the electromagnetic field in order to overcome the trouble of convective dominance, especially in high‐speed sliding electrical contact problems. However, to maintain correct field continuity, magnetic vector potential and scalar potential taken as variables cannot be continuous simultaneously at the ideal sliding electrical contact interface. This involves a strongly discontinuous condition for variables. Further, commonly used spatial–temporal discretization algorithms are invalid, for example, the classic finite element (CFEM) framework does not allow discontinuous variables, and the backward Euler method in time domain introduces a significant interface error source associated with the velocity of relative motion. To accurately handle strongly discontinuous conditions in numerical calculations, a mixed nodal finite element scheme and a higher‐order accurate temporal discretization scheme are introduced. In this scheme, classical finite element method is performed in each subdomain, and the derivative terms at the boundary are added as new variables. The effectiveness and accuracy of the above methods are verified by comparing them with a standard solution in a two‐dimensional railgun model and analyzing the current density distribution in a three‐dimensional railgun model.

Error Analysis of the Classical Artificial Diffusion Weak Galerkin Finite Element Method for the steady state- convection diffusion-reaction Equation in 2-D

In this study, we modified the error in the weak Galerkin method when solving problems in which diffusion is the dominant convection( h) in two dimensions. This is done by adding the artificial diffusion term (-δΔw, where δ=h-ϵ). The finite element method for discrete functions using a weakly defined gradient operator is presented in this study. The concept of the weak discrete gradient is introduced, which plays an important role when using numerical methods to solve partial differential equations. The goal of this study is to enhance the accuracy and stability of the solutions by studying the ellipticity and stability properties of the method, which works to ensure that the numerical method retains the properties of the original equation while reducing the fluctuations occurring with the weak galerkin finite element method. Specific theories have been used to estimate the error in parameters -norm, and . Practical examples demonstrate how this method improves the handling of partial equations characterized by convection-dominated diffusion, enhancing its potential for advancing numerical simulations in engineering and physics.

Interpolation-based immersogeometric analysis methods for multi-material and multi-physics problems

AbstractImmersed boundary methods are high-order accurate computational tools used to model geometrically complex problems in computational mechanics. While traditional finite element methods require the construction of high-quality boundary-fitted meshes, immersed boundary methods instead embed the computational domain in a structured background grid. Interpolation-based immersed boundary methods augment existing finite element software to non-invasively implement immersed boundary capabilities through extraction. Extraction interpolates the structured background basis as a linear combination of Lagrange polynomials defined on a foreground mesh, creating an interpolated basis that can be easily integrated by existing methods. This work extends the interpolation-based immersed isogeometric method to multi-material and multi-physics problems. Beginning from level-set descriptions of domain geometries, Heaviside enrichment is implemented to accommodate discontinuities in state variable fields across material interfaces. Adaptive refinement with truncated hierarchically refined B-splines (THB-splines) is used to both improve interface geometry representations and to resolve large solution gradients near interfaces. Multi-physics problems typically involve coupled fields where each field has unique discretization requirements. This work presents a novel discretization method for coupled problems through the application of extraction, using a single foreground mesh for all fields. Numerical examples illustrate optimal convergence rates for this method in both 2D and 3D, for partial differential equations representing heat conduction, linear elasticity, and a coupled thermo-mechanical problem. The utility of this method is demonstrated through image-based analysis of a composite sample, where in addition to circumventing typical meshing difficulties, this method reduces the required degrees of freedom when compared to classical boundary-fitted finite element methods.

Finite element model to investigate free vibration and aeroelastic instability of functionally graded rectangular plates

In this article, a four-node rectangular element called R4Sand1 is developed using a hybrid combination of the classical finite element method and Sanders’ shell theory. Utilizing an in-house code, the proposed formulation is used for the prediction of free vibration and aeroelastic instabilities of functionally graded rectangular plates with various boundary conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed new approach is investigated, revealing very good convergence behavior and accuracy. Finally, parametric studies are conducted to illustrate the influences of various parameters, such as aspect ratio, thickness, and volume fraction, on the natural frequency and critical dynamic pressure.

Tailoring the extension-bending-twisting coupling in composite laminates using carbon nanotube hybridization

The existence of extension-bend-twist coupling of deformations in composites is a complex problem. Ability to tailor the coupling response as per the requirement is desirable to harness the high strength-to-weight ratio of composites in many structural applications. Here we report a feasible design strategy to tune the extent of deformation coupling in composite laminates. To this end, carbon nanotube (CNT) grafted lamina is incorporated in the lay-up of conventional composites. Classical laminate theory (CLT) and finite element analysis show that the coupling extent of extension-twist, extension-bending and extension- bending-twist can be suitably designed by varying the number, location and distribution of CNT grafted lamina in a laminate configuration. Theoretical and computational results reveal maximum extension-twist coupling when a single CNT grafted lamina is placed closer to the mid-plane in a 16 ply antisymmetric laminate. Symmetrical placement of CNT grafted lamina avoids the extension-bend coupling. Finite element analysis shows that the lateral bending of composite cantilever beam under combined axial and bending loads can be designed by suitably choosing the configuration of the modified laminate. These findings will significantly contribute in designing structural composites for advanced applications.