Rectangular Finite Element Research Articles

Timestep-dependent element interpolation functions in the method of matched sections on the example of heat conduction problem

The paper is devoted to further elaboration of the method of matched sections as a new technique within the finite element method. Like FEM it supposes that: a) the complex domain is represented as a mesh of nonintersecting simple elements; b) algebraic relations between the main parameters of an element are established from the governing differential equations; c) all relationships from all elements are assembled into one global matrix. On the other hand, it has two distinct features. The first one is that relations between kinematic and inner force parameters (called Connection equations) are derived from the approximate analytical solution of the governing equations rather than by the application of minimization techniques. The second one consists in that the conjugation between elements is provided between the adjacent sides (sections) rather than in the nodes of the elements. In application to the transient 2D heat conduction, it is assumed that for each small rectangular element, the 2D problem can be considered as the combination of two 1D problems – one is x-dependent, and another is y-dependent. Each problem is characterized by two functions – the temperature, T, and heat flux Q. In practical realization for rectangular finite elements, the method is reduced to the determination of eight unknowns for each element – two unknowns on each side, which are related by the connection equations, and the requirement of the temperature continuity at the center of the element. Another salient feature of the paper is an implementation of the original implicit time integration scheme, where the time step becomes the parameter of the element interpolation function within the element, i.e. it determines the behavior of the connection equations. This method was initially proposed by the first author for several 1D problems, and here for the first time, it is applied to 2D problems. The number of tests for rectangular plates exhibits the remarkable properties of the proposed time integration scheme concerning stability, accuracy, and absence of any restrictions as to increasing the time step.

Deformation state of a graphene sheet within the framework of the continuum moment-membrane theory of elasticity

The paper proposes an approach to finding the stress-strain state (SSS) of structures containing graphene, a novel nanomaterial that has currently found а wide range of practical applications in nanoelectromechanical systems. Graphene is a 2D basic building block for other carbon structures such as membranes, sheets, nanotubes, etc. To describe the SSS of a graphene sheet, the phenomenological continuum moment-membrane theory of plates is used, from which, due to the fact that graphene is an ultrathin material, the concept of thickness is excluded. The physical elasticity relationships of a graphene sheet are expressed through its rigidity characteristics, determined using the harmonic potential of interatomic interactions in carbon. A differential formulation and the corresponding variational formulation are given for the problem of static deformation and determination of the natural frequencies and modes of vibration of a graphene sheet. The variational formulation is based on the Lagrange principle and is implemented numerically using the finite element method. Finite element relations are constructed taking into account moment effects of the behavior of a graphene sheet. For approximation, a 4-node rectangular finite element is used. Numerical solutions to several problems of static deformation of a graphene sheet under conditions of a plane stress state and transverse bending are presented, and the analysis of its natural vibrations is also performed. Good convergence of numerical simulation results in all considered problems is demonstrated. The obtained numerical solutions are essential in designing and calculating resonators in which ultrathin nanostructures are used. The establishment of the fact that a graphene sheet has a high intrinsic frequency falling in the GHz region (for example, quartz resonators are characterized by megahertz frequencies) opens up new prospects for using graphene itself as an ultrasensitive nanomechanical resonator for detecting small masses and ultrasmall displacements.

Implicit direct time integration of the heat conduction problem in the Method of Matched Sections

The paper is devoted to further elaboration of the Method of Matched Sections as a new branch of finite element method in application to the transient 2D temperature problem. The main distinction of MMS from conventional FEM consist in that the conjugation is provided between the adjacent sections rather than in the nodes of the elements. Important feature is that method is based on approximate strong form solution of the governing differential equations called here as the Connection equations. It is assumed that for each small rectangular element the 2D problem can be considered as the combination of two 1D problems – one is x-dependent, and another is y-dependent. Each problem is characterized by two functions – the temperature, , and heat flux . In practical realization for rectangular finite elements the method is reduced to determination of eight unknowns for each element – two unknowns on each side, which are related by the Connection equations, and requirement of the temperature continuity at the center of element. Another salient feature of the paper is an implementation of the original implicit time integration scheme, where the time step became the parameter of shape function within the element, i.e. it determines the behavior of the Connection equations. This method was early proposed by first author for number of 1D problem, and here in first time it is applied for 2D problems. The number of tests for rectangular plate exhibits the remarkable properties of this “embedded” time integration scheme with respect to stability, accuracy, and absence of any restrictions as to increasing of the time step.

RITZ METHOD IN THE DISCRETE APPROXIMATION OF DISPLACEMENTS FOR SLAB CALCULATION

Introduction: The FEM reduces the problem of structural analysis for various building structures to the formation and solution of a system of linear algebraic equations. For this purpose, there are techniques available for obtaining FE stiffness and flexibility matrices where the main structural deformation characteristics are taken into account. However, the FEM can also be considered as a special case of the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of the required functions. In the functional of full potential deformation energy with regard to the considered structure, all adopted stress-strain state characteristics are taken into account. Since it is difficult or impossible to find continuous approximation functions both in the classic version of the Ritz method and in the Bubnov–Galerkin method for some types of edge restraint in such building structures as beams, slabs, or shells, it is possible to use the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of the required functions (by analogy with the FEM). This paper presents a method of such calculations using slab calculations as an example. It is shown that, due to introducing some notations (operators), the process of finding the coefficients of the system of linear algebraic equations creates no difficulties and is easily programmable. The proposed method is not an alternative to the FEM, which is the most effective numerical method for the calculation of complex three-dimensional building structures. Purpose of the study: We aimed to create a method for calculating slabs by the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of the deflection function for edge restraint cases when it is difficult or impossible to find continuous approximation functions in the classic version of the Ritz method and the Bubnov–Galerkin method. Methods: Based on the application of the Ritz variational method in the discrete approximation of displacements for slab calculation, all the basic relations for rectangular finite elements with 12 degrees of freedom are obtained, and an algorithm for forming the coefficients of the system of linear algebraic equations is developed. Results: For the first time, the solution by the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of slab displacements is obtained for the case when two edges of the slab are rigidly restrained and other two edges are free. In this case, the correct solution of the above problem is possible only with the use of the proposed method and FEM. For the test problem, we performed a comparison of the results of the calculation using the proposed method with the results using the classic Ritz method, which showed their very close agreement. The accuracy of the obtained results was assessed.

A four-node rectangular plate finite element using Airy functions with transverse shear

PurposeAmong different types of engineering structures, plates play a significant role. Their analysis necessitates numerical modeling with finite elements, such as triangular, quadrangular or sector plate elements, owing to the intricate geometrical shapes and applied loads. The scope of this study is the development of a new rectangular finite element for thin plate bending based on the strain approach using Airy's function. It is called a rectangular plate finite element using Airy function (RPFEUAF) and has four nodes. Each node had three degrees of freedom: one transverse displacement (w) and two normal rotations (x, y).Design/methodology/approachEquilibrium conditions are used to generate the interpolation functions for the fields of strain, displacements and stresses. The evolution of the Airy function solutions yielded the selection of these polynomial bi-harmonic functions. The variational principle and the analytical integration approach are used to evaluate the basic stiffness matrix.FindingsThe numerical findings for thin plates quickly approach the Kirchhoff solution. The results obtained are compared to the analytical solution based on Kirchhoff theory.Originality/valueThe efficiency of the strain based approach using Airy's function is confirmed, and the robustness of the presented element RPFEUAF is demonstrated. Because of this, the current element is more reliable, better suited for computations and especially intriguing for modeling this kind of structure.

A von Kármán-type model for two-layer laminated glass plates, with applications to buckling and free vibration under in-plane edge loads

This article presents a layerwise geometrically nonlinear two-dimensional model for the undamped dynamical response of thin two-layer plates with partial shear interaction. The model is tailored for the analysis of laminated glass plates of the type most commonly used in building structures (two glass layers bonded by a polymeric interlayer). The geometrical nonlinearities are introduced via the so-called von Kármán strains. The process of dimensional reduction is based on Podio-Guidugli’s method of internal constraints. An unconventional choice of generalised displacements highlights several direct similarities with the single-layer plate theories of von Kármán and Mindlin.The model is used to study the flexural buckling and free vibration of two-layer plates under in-plane edge loads. Analytical solutions are obtained for rectangular plates with (i) all edges simply supported without shear restraint and (ii) a two-parameter system of uniform in-plane normal edge loads. These solutions degenerate into those of single-layer von Kármán plates in the two limiting cases of zero and full shear interaction. A conforming rectangular finite element is formulated and shown to perform effectively. When using uniform meshes, the observed asymptotic rate of convergence for the finite element approximation of the lowest buckling load and vibration frequency is quadratic.

A New Rectangular Finite Element for Static and Dynamic Analysis of Arbitrarily Tapered Plates

This paper presents the formulation of a new efficient and conforming rectangular finite element for analysis of thin plates with any arbitrary variation of thickness along both edges. Shape functions of this new element are derived from multiplying shape functions of non-prismatic Euler–Bernoulli beam extracted from basic displacement functions. To provide [Formula: see text] consistency along the edges of elements, twist is added to conventional degrees of freedom, namely deflection and slopes resulting in an element with 16 degrees of freedom. The proposed element is used to solve various static and dynamic problems, and it is seen that the convergence of a new formulation occurs with much fewer elements compared to existing finite elements as a direct result of considering the variation of geometry in the derivation of shape functions, which renders the formulation competitive in both exactness and economy.

Development of YAY2020, an FEA program with full-size stiffness matrix for static analysis of high-rise buildings: A comparison with SAP2000

In this study, a computer program, YAY2020 was developed using the Fortran compiler based on a distinctive finite element analysis method to examine the response of planar structures under static loads. In the program, shear-wall stiffness matrices were considered as rectangular finite elements. This special rectangular element adds the perpendicular moment and rotation values in the plane, so it considers the 12 × 12 stiffness matrix of real diagonal and non-diagonal elements. Whereas much other software neglects these values and that leads to an inaccurate and inappropriate approximation. A formulation that used in the calculation of the rectangular element was developed. This formulation was validated by comparing its results with the analytical solution of the Timoshenko cantilever beam. The authors believe that this study can reach the exact calculation appreciate better than methods provided in the other analysis software.

Structural stability of a lightsail for laser-driven interstellar flight

The structural stability of a lightsail under the intense laser flux necessary for interstellar flight is studied analytically and numerically. A sinusoidal perturbation is introduced into a two-dimensional thin-film sail to determine if the sail remains stable or if the perturbations grow in amplitude. A perfectly reflective sail material that gives specular reflection of the laser illumination is assumed in determining the resulting loading on the sail, although other reflection models can be incorporated as well. The quasi-static solution of the critical point between shape stability and instability is found by equating the bending moments induced on the sail due to radiation pressure with the restoring moments caused by the strength of the sail material and the tension applied at the edges of the sail. From this quasi-static solution, analytical expressions for the critical value of elastic modulus and boundary tension magnitude are found as a function of sail properties (e.g., thickness) and the amplitude and wave number of the initial sinusoidal perturbation. These same expressions are also derived from a more formal variational energy (virtual work) approach. A numerical model of the complete lightsail dynamics is developed by discretizing the lightsail into rectangular finite elements. By introducing torsional and rectilinear springs between the elements into the numerical model, a hierarchy of models is produced that can incorporate the effects of bending and applied tension. The numerical models permit the transient dynamics of a perturbed lightsail to be compared to the analytic results of the quasi-static analysis, visualized as stability maps that show the rate of perturbation growth as a function of sail thickness, elastic modulus, and applied tension. The analytic theory is able to correctly predict the stability boundary found in the numerical simulations. The stiffness required to make a thin lightsail stable against uncontrolled perturbation growth appears to be unfeasible for known materials, however, a relatively modest tensioning of the sail (e.g., via an inflatable structure or spinning of the sail) is able to maintain the sail shape under all wavelengths and amplitudes of perturbations.

High accuracy analysis of a nonconforming rectangular finite element method for the Brinkman model

High accuracy analysis of a nonconforming rectangular finite element method for the Brinkman model

Optimization of Rectangular Articulated Reinforced Concrete Smooth and Ribbed Slabs Using Resource Reduction Method

The paper considers the optimization problem of hinged reinforced concrete rectangular smooth and ribbed slabs. The static calculation of the slabs has been performed while using the finite element method. The model is built from rectangular finite elements containing four nodes each and having twelve degrees of freedom. The load is presented in the form of nodal vertical forces. To take into account the nonlinearity of the deformation of reinforced concrete, the finite elements are taken as inhomogeneous multilayer plates. The modulus of elasticity changed according to the hyperbolic dependence. The determination of the stress-strain state has been carried out by the iterative method. For optimization, a method has been used to reduce resources for strength, stiffness, and crack opening with gradient descent along the boundary of the allowable area. The cost of the material spent on the manufacture of the slab and the volume of concrete are taken as objective functions. Restrictions on strength, stiffness and width of cracks are set. By scanning, the boundaries of the admissible search area for the optimal solution are set; the boundary of this region has a curvilinear outline. According to the results of the calculation, the trajectories of the search for optimal solution are obtained. Examples are given and optimal solutions are found for various starting points. It has been established that for the accepted conditions of the problem, the extreme points are located near the boundaries of the admissible region. The speed of gradient descent and the location of the starting points do not significantly affect the results. Due to the fact that the objective function can have several minima, a method is proposed to search for a global minimum by preliminary scanning and analysis of extrema values. It is confirmed that the applied method ensures the stability of the optimal solution.

Superconvergence of Semidiscrete Splitting Positive Definite Mixed Finite Elements for Hyperbolic Optimal Control Problems

In this paper, we consider semidiscrete splitting positive definite mixed finite element methods for optimal control problems governed by hyperbolic equations with integral constraints. The state and costate are approximated by the lowest order Raviart-Thomas mixed rectangular finite element, and the control is approximated by piecewise constant functions. We derive some convergence and superconvergence results for the control, the state and the adjoint state. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate our theoretical results.

Numerical analysis of the correlation between the pitting severity and surface roughness of corroded specimens

ABSTRACT Repeated wet–dry cycle exposure to seawater during ballasting processes hastens the surface corrosion rate. Moreover, the larger volumetric changes of corroded ballast tanks generate lower pitting severity. This paper models the pitting severity of corroded ballast tanks of varying roughness and volumes. Seven rectangular finite elements models with Gaussian rough surfaces are examined. The surface roughness modelling is analyzed with correlation among corrosion-statistical parameters at various corroded specimen volume changes. Additionally, the paper elaborates the severity of pitting corrosion characteristics using the pitting factor and the relationship between the maximum and average pit depth. The pitting severity – volumetric changes scenario investigates the model’s stress distribution, showing that the greater change in volume and lower pitting severity tend to have a lower stress distribution, which is randomly concentrated on the larger area. Comparison of the theoretical results with physical test data using 3D laser scans indicates a close match.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ТОЧНОСТИ РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ РАСЧЕТА ТОНКОЙ ИЗГИБАЕМОЙ ПЛАСТИНКИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ФОРМ МКЭ

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the accuracy of a thin bending plate according to the FEM in the form of a classical mixed method (CSM) and based on the FEM in dis placements using the SP LIRA SAPR. The analysis of calculation results for plates with several types of boundary conditions and representation in the form of an ensemble of rectangular finite elements with 3 unknowns at each node is performed. Based on the results of calculations, a conclusion was made about the accuracy and correctness of calculations using two forms of the FEM. Graphs of convergence of calculation results are given.

Mathematical modeling of bending stress waves in an aboveground oil pipeline under unsteady seismic action

The problem of numerical modeling of bending waves in an aboveground oil pipeline under nonstationary seismic action is studied. To solve the unsteady dynamic problem of elasticity theory with initial and boundary conditions the finite element method was applied. Using the finite element method in displacements, a linear problem with initial and boundary conditions was led to a linear Cauchy problem. A quasi-regular approach to solving a system of linear ordinary differential equations of the second order in displacements with initial conditions and to approximation of the studied domain is proposed. The technique is based on the schemes: point, line and plane. The area under study is divided by spatial variables into triangular and rectangular finite elements of the first order. According to the time variable, the area under study is divided into linear finite elements with two nodal points. The algorithmic language Fortran-90 was used in the development of the software package. The problem of the effect of a plane longitudinal wave in the form of six triangles on an elastic half-plane to assess physical reliability and mathematical accuracy is considered. A system of equations consisting of 8 016 008 unknowns is solved. The calculation results are obtained at characteristic points. A quantitative comparison with the results of the analytical solution is taken. Furthermore, the problem of the impact of a plane longitudinal seismic wave at an angle of 90 degrees to the horizon on an aboveground oil pipeline is considered. The seismic impact is modeled as a Heaviside function, which is applied at a distance of three average diameters from the edge of the pipe. The calculation results were obtained at the characteristic points of the object under study. A system of equations consisting of 32 032 288 unknowns is solved. Bending waves prevail in the problem under consideration.

Mathematical modeling of stress waves under concentrated vertical action in the form of a triangular pulse: Lamb’s problem

The aim of the work. The problem of numerical simulation of longitudinal, transverse and surface waves on the free surface of an elastic half-plane is considered. Methods. To solve the non-stationary dynamic problem of elasticity theory with initial and boundary conditions, the finite element method in displacements was used. Using the finite element method in displacements, a linear problem with initial and boundary conditions was led to a linear Cauchy problem. A quasiregular approach to solving a system of second-order linear ordinary differential equations in displacements with initial conditions and to approximating the area under study is proposed. The method is based on the schemes: point, line and plane. The study area is divided by spatial variables into triangular and rectangular finite elements of the first order. According to the time variable, the study area is divided into linear end elements with two nodal points. The Fortran-90 algorithmic language was used in the development of the software package. Results. Some information is given about numerical modeling of elastic stress waves in an elastic half-plane with a concentrated wave action in the form of a Delta function. The estimated area under study has 12 008 001 nodal points. A system of equations consisting of 48 032 004 unknowns is solved. The change of elastic contour stress on the free surface of the half-plane at different points is shown. The amplitude of Rayleigh surface waves is significantly greater than the amplitudes of longitudinal, transverse, and other waves with a concentrated vertical action in the form of a triangular pulse on the surface of an elastic half-plane. After surface Rayleigh waves, a dynamic process is observed in the form of standing waves.

A novel trigonometric shear deformation theory for the buckling and free vibration analysis of functionally graded plates

In the current work, a four-node rectangular finite element with assumed natural shear strains, based on the exact neutral surface position and new higher-order shear deformation theory is employed to perform mechanical buckling and free vibration analysis of functionally graded plates. The present theory has only five unknowns and satisfies zero transverse shear stress at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate, therefore a shear correction factor is not necessary. The accuracy of the proposed formulation is evaluated by comparing the obtained results with those available in the literature.

Linear eigenvalue analysis of laminated thin plates including the strain gradient effect by means of conforming and nonconforming rectangular finite elements

The paper presents a finite element method to investigate the critical buckling loads and the natural frequencies of laminated Kirchhoff plates including the nonlocal strain gradient effect, which could have considerably consequences at the nanoscale. With respect to the existing literature, the proposed numerical methodology is developed to deal with general stacking sequences of orthotropic layers with arbitrary orientations and various boundary conditions. The resulting membrane-bending coupling is emphasized in the formulation, which requires to study the whole set of partial differential equations. The membrane and bending degrees of freedom are all approximated by means of Hermite interpolating functions with higher-order continuity requirements. To this aim, regular rectangular finite elements based on conforming (C) and nonconforming (NC) approaches are used. A wide validation procedure is carried out to prove the effectiveness of the proposed formulation. A set of new results is presented for general mechanical configurations with arbitrary restraints.

Nonlinear free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates and shell panels using non-polynomial higher-order shear deformation theory

In the present work, nonlinear free vibration analysis of composite laminated plates and shallow cylindrical/spherical/hyperboloid shell panels considering geometric nonlinearity is carried out using non-polynomial inverse trigonometric higher-order shear deformation theory with seven degrees of freedo (DOFs). The present theory assumes parabolic variation of out-of-plane stresses and satisfies traction-free boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the composite as a priori. A nonlinear finite element model is developed and applied to obtain discretized nonlinear equations. The geometric nonlinearity in sense of Green-Lagrange considering von-Kármán assumptions is incorporated in formulation. An eight noded efficient C 0 continuous isoparametric rectangular finite element is implemented in the present nonlinear analysis. The efficacy and accuracy of the present theory and finite element model is validated with the available literature results. For the analysis, various types of plates and shell panels with different material properties, lamination schemes, thickness ratios, aspect ratios, modular ratios, curvature ratios, and boundary conditions are considered. The effects of these different geometric and material properties on nonlinear frequency ratios at various amplitude ratios are examined in detail.

A novel [formula omitted] continuity finite element based on Mindlin theory for doubly-curved laminated composite shells

As a widely used structural form, doubly-curved composite shells have been applied in aviation and other engineering fields. With a refined mechanical model, structural performances can be accurately predicted to help designers choosing best geometrical and material parameters. This work introduces a novel rectangular finite element for doubly-curved laminated composite shells based on a new set of strain-based shape functions. The governing equations are established on the Mindlin shell theory (a type of first order shear deformable shell theory), which incorporates a rectification of shear correction factor for laminates and von Kármán type nonlinearity. Based on strain approach, the shape functions for rectangular element are assumed as polynomial of 28 parameters to consider the influence of shear effect. Apart from 20 geometrical relations of four element nodes, shear force equilibrium equations are introduced to offer the additional eight equations to derive a new set of shape functions for finite element model. Using shape functions, a novel rectangular shell element is proposed for doubly curved laminated shell, which also maintains a compatibility with Kirchhoff shells. Numerical results for linear static bending, dynamic vibration and nonlinear bending cases of flat plate, cylindrical shell and doubly-curved laminated shell are compared with the available results in literatures and ABAQUS simulation for the sake of validating the present method.