Standard Finite Element Research Articles

Temporal second-order two-grid finite element method for semilinear time-fractional Rayleigh-Stokes equations

In this paper, we have developed a temporal second-order two-grid FEM to solve the semilinear time-fractional Rayleigh-Stokes equations. The proposed two-grid FEM uses the L2-1σ scheme and second order scheme to approximate the Caputo fractional derivative and the time first-order derivative in temporal direction and the standard FEM in spatial direction. The L2-norm and H1-norm stability and error estimates for the standard finite element solution and the two-grid solution are derived. The results shown that as long as the mesh sizes satisfy H=h12 and H=hr2r+2 respectively, the two-grid algorithm can achieve asymptotically optimal approximation. Furthermore, the non-uniform L2-1σ scheme was applied for temporal discretization to handle the weak singularity of the solution. Finally, the theoretical findings were confirmed by numerical results, and the effectiveness of the two-grid algorithm was demonstrated.

Convergence analysis of non-matching finite elements for a linear monotone additive Schwarz scheme for semi-linear elliptic problems

Abstract In this article, we are interested in the standard finite element approximation method of linear additive Schwarz iterations for a class of semi-linear elliptic problems, for two subdomains, in the context of non-matching grids. More precisely, by means of a uniform convergence result from the study by Lui and a fundamental lemma consisting of estimating, at each iteration, the gap between the continuous and the finite element Schwarz iterates, we prove that the discrete Schwarz sequences converge, in the maximum norm, to the true solution. Moreover, we also give numerical results to support the theoretical findings.

A finite element based approach for nonlocal stress analysis for multi-phase materials and composites

AbstractThis study proposes a numerical method for calculating the stress fields in nano-scale multi-phase/composite materials, where the classical continuum theory is inadequate due to the small-scale effects, including intermolecular spaces. The method focuses on weakly nonlocal and inhomogeneous materials and involves post-processing the local stresses obtained using a conventional finite element approach, applying the classical continuum theory to calculate the nonlocal stresses. The capabilities of this method are demonstrated through some numerical examples, namely, a two-dimensional case with a circular inclusion and some commonly used scenarios to model nanocomposites. Representative volume elements of various nanocomposites, including epoxy-based materials reinforced with fumed silica, silica (Nanopox F700), and rubber (Albipox 1000) are subjected to uniaxial tensile deformation combined with periodic boundary conditions. The local and nonlocal stress fields are computed through numerical simulations and after post-processing are compared with each other. The results acquired through the nonlocal theory exhibit a softening effect, resulting in reduced stress concentration and less of a discontinuous behaviour. This research contributes to the literature by proposing an efficient and standardised numerical method for analysing the small-scale stress distribution in small-scale multi-phase materials, providing a method for more accurate design in the nano-scale regime. This proposed method is also easy to implement in standard finite element software that employs classical continuum theory.

The asymptotic-numerical method for the post-buckling response of curvilinearly stiffened panels

Abstract In the present work, the asymptotic-numerical method is applied in conjunction with the Ritz method as a powerful mean for analysing the post-buckling response of panels with variable stiffness skin and curvilinear stringers. Main advantage of the proposed approach is the reduced computational time. The Ritz method guarantees an excellent ratio between accuracy and required degrees of freedom; the asymptotic-numerical method requires just one matrix inversion throughout the solution process. Moreover, the complete analytical representation of the non-linear equilibrium path is obtained, as opposed to the point-by-point representation of predictor-corrector algorithms. Several test cases are presented and compared with standard Newton-Raphson computations and commercial finite element simulations. The results show noticeable saving of computational time. For the test cases investigated, the asymptotic-numerical method requires about one third of the time required by a standard Newton-Raphson routine. These results demonstrate that the combination between Ritz and the asymptotic-numerical method is an excellent strategy for investigating the post-buckling response of innovative curvilinearly stiffened panels.

Hydrodynamics of multicomponent vesicles: A phase-field approach

In this paper, we introduce a thermodynamically-consistent phase-field model to investigate the hydrodynamics of inextensible multicomponent vesicles in various fluid flows with inertial forces. Our model couples the fluid field, surface concentration field representing chemical species on the membrane, and vesicle dynamics, while enforcing global area and volume constraints through a Lagrange multiplier method. Specifically, we employ full Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid field, the Cahn–Hilliard equations for the species concentration on the membrane, a nonlinear advection–diffusion equation to describe the evolution of the vesicle membrane, and an additional equation to enforce local inextensibility. We utilize a residual-based variational multiscale method for the Navier–Stokes equations and a standard Galerkin finite element framework for the remaining equations. The PDEs are solved using an implicit, monolithic scheme based on the generalized-α time integration method. We extend previous models for homogeneous vesicles (Aland et al., 2014; Valizadeh and Rabczuk, 2022) to multicomponent vesicles, introducing Cahn–Hilliard equations while maintaining thermodynamic consistency. Additionally, we employ isogeometric analysis (IGA) for higher accuracy. We present a variety of two-dimensional numerical examples, including multicomponent vesicles in shear flow and Poiseuille flow with and without obstructions, using the resistive immersed surface method to handle obstructions. Furthermore, we provide three-dimensional simulations of multicomponent vesicles in Poiseuille flow.

Computational insights into tumor invasion dynamics: A finite element approach

The finite element scheme is proposed and analyzed for the solution of an acid-mediated tumor invasion model. The reaction–diffusion equation shows the evolution in the tumor cell density, H+ ions concentration, and healthy tissue density over time. The coupled non-linear partial differential equations are discretized in time with the implicit Euler method and in space with standard Galerkin finite element. To solve the non-linear and coupled terms of the system a fixed point iteration scheme is presented. Moreover, a mass-lumped scheme is adopted to reduce the computation cost. The cut-off method is used to compute the bounded solutions of the PDEs. Finally, The effects of proliferation rate and healthy tissue degradation rate are investigated.

Predictive residual stress analysis in gear units: an artificial intelligence approach based on finite element data

Determining residual stresses is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of gear components. Traditional methods, such as analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches, are often costly, time-consuming, and sometimes destructive. This study proposes a new method to predict residual stresses in gear units using artificial intelligence based on data from finite element analysis. To achieve this, a commercial finite element tool models the heat treatment and carburization processes, grounded in thermomechanical metallurgical physics. The residual stresses obtained from finite element analysis are then compared to the ones from experiment using deep hole drilling approach. This is followed by a sensitivity analysis. Next, a specific class of gearbox component geometries and the computed stress fields are utilized to train artificial neural networks. The performance of the artificial neural networks approach is compared to that of two different machine learning regression methods. It has been concluded that this technique successfully anticipates residual stresses in components with scaled geometries and similar heat treatment steps, outperforming the two regression models in accuracy and efficiency. Importantly, it achieves this with incomparable, significantly less computation time compared to standard finite element analysis.

Fatigue delamination damage analysis in composite materials through a rule of mixtures approach

The present study investigates delamination damage initiation and propagation within a homogenization theory of mixtures, using the concept of virtual layers and virtual interfaces. It eliminates spatial discretization of layers, introducing a resultant damage variable to capture structure’s bulk response under both monotonic and cyclic loads. Fatigue-induced deterioration is classified into sub-critical, critical, and over-critical stages based on interfacial stresses. Calibration is conducted employing the widely-available Wöhler curves for each loading mode independently. An advance-in-time strategy is included in the model to enhance the simulation speed. The reliability of the approach is assessed for crack initiation and propagation separately through standard test coupons, showing good correlation with experimental data in mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode loading conditions. Depending on the calibration procedure adopted, the model is applicable to a wide range of stress ratios. In addition, it could be integrated into any standard finite element framework using the desired number of elements through the thickness regardless of the physical amount of layers. This allows easy modification of stacking sequences or the number of layers within the constitutive law without mesh structure changes, facilitating simulation of large-scale composite laminates with minimal accuracy loss and reduced computational costs.

Positivity and Boundedness Preserving Numerical Scheme for a Stochastic Multigroup Susceptible-Infected-Recovering Epidemic Model with Age Structure.

Since the stochastic age-structured multigroup susceptible-infected-recovering (SIR) epidemic model is nonlinear, the solution of this model is hard to be explicitly represented. It is necessary to construct effective numerical methods so as to predict the number of infections. In addition, the stochastic age-structured multigroup SIR model has features of positivity and boundedness of the solution. Therefore, in this article, in order to ensure that the numerical and analytical solutions must have the same properties, by modifying the classical Euler-Maruyama (EM) scheme, we generate a positivity and boundedness preserving EM (PBPEM) method on temporal space for stochastic age-structured multigroup SIR model, which is proved to have a strong convergence to the true solution over finite time intervals. Moreover, by combining the standard finite element method and the PBPEM method, we propose a full-discrete scheme to show the numerical solutions, as well as analyze the error estimations. Finally, the full-discrete scheme is applied to a general stochastic two-group SIR model and the Chlamydia epidemic model, which shows the superiority of the numerical method.

Dislocation-based finite element method for homogenized limit domain characterization of structured metamaterials

PurposeHeterogeneous and micro-structured materials have been the object of multiscale and homogenization techniques aimed at recognizing the elastic properties of the equivalent continuum. The proposed investigation deals with the mechanical characterization of the heterogeneous material structured metamaterials through analyzing the ultimate strength using the limit analysis of the Representative Volume Element (RVE). To get the desired material strength, a novel finite element formulation based on the derivation of self-equilibrated solutions through the finite elements devoted to calculating the lower bound theorem has been implemented together with the limit analysis in Melàn’s formulation.Design/methodology/approachThe finite element formulation is based on discrete mapping of Volterra dislocations in the structure using isoparametric representation. Using standard finite element techniques, the linear operator V, which relates the self-equilibrated internal solicitation to displacement-like nodal parameters, has been built through finite element discretization of displacement and strain.FindingsThe proposed work presented an elastic homogenization of the mechanical properties of an elementary cell with a geometry known in the literature, the isotropic truss. The matrix of elastic constants was calculated by subjecting the RVE to numerical load tests, simulated with a commercial FEM calculation code. This step showed the dependence of the isotropy properties, verified with Zener theory, on the density of the RVE. The isotropy condition of the material is only achieved for certain section ratios between body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC), neglecting flexural effects at the nodes. The density that satisfies Zener’s conditions represents the isotropic geomatics of the isotropic truss.Originality/valueFor the isotropic case, the VFEM procedure was used to evaluate the isotropy of the limit domain and was compared with the Mises–Schleicher limit domain. The evaluation of residual ductility and dissipation energy allowed a measurement parameter for the limit anisotropy to be defined. The novelty of the proposal consisted in the formulation of both the linearized and the nonlinear limit locus of the material; hence, it furnished the starting point for further limit analysis of the structures whose elementary volume has been described through the proposed approach.

A Space-Time Finite Element Method for the Eddy Current Approximation of Rotating Electric Machines

Abstract In this paper we formulate and analyze a space-time finite element method for the numerical simulation of rotating electric machines where the finite element mesh is fixed in a space-time domain. Based on the Babuška–Nečas theory we prove unique solvability both for the continuous variational formulation and for a standard Galerkin finite element discretization in the space-time domain. This approach allows for an adaptive resolution of the solution both in space and time, but it requires the solution of the overall system of algebraic equations. While the use of parallel solution algorithms seems to be mandatory, this also allows for a parallelization simultaneously in space and time. This approach is used for the eddy current approximation of the Maxwell equations which results in an elliptic-parabolic interface problem. Numerical results for linear and nonlinear constitutive material relations confirm the applicability and accuracy of the proposed approach.

L1-FEM discretizations for two-dimensional multiterm fractional delay diffusion equations

A two-dimensional multiterm fractional delay diffusion equation is considered. The representation of the exact solution of the equation is derived and it is shown that the solution exhibits singular behaviors at multiple nodes due to the initial singularity and time delay. This results in the numerical schemes for solving the equation typically have a lower order of convergence in time. The problem is approximated in time by the L1 and Alikhanov schemes on symmetrical graded meshes, while in space the standard finite element method is applied. Numerical stability and convergence are presented for the schemes. Numerical experiments are performed to show the effectiveness of the schemes.

The localized RBF interpolation with its modifications for solving the incompressible two-phase fluid flows: A conservative Allen–Cahn–Navier–Stokes system

In this research work, we apply a numerical scheme based on the first-order time integration approach combined with the modifications of the meshless approximation for solving the conservative Allen–Cahn–Navier–Stokes equations. More precisely, we first utilize a first-order time discretization for the Navier–Stokes equations and the time-splitting technique of order one for the dynamics of the phase-field variable. Besides, we use the local interpolation based on the Matérn radial function for spatial discretization. We should solve a Poisson equation with the proper boundary conditions to have the divergence-free property during the numerical algorithm. Accordingly, the applied numerical procedure could not give a stable and accurate solution. Instead, we solve a regularization system in a discrete form. To prevent the instability of the numerical solution concerning the convection term, a biharmonic term with a small coefficient based on the high-order hyperviscosity formulation has been added, which has been approximated by a scalable interpolation based on the combination of polyharmonic spline with polynomials (known as the PHS+poly). The obtained full-discrete problem is solved using the biconjugate gradient stabilized method considering a proper preconditioner. We investigate the potency of the numerical scheme by presenting some simulations via uniform, hexagonal, and quasi-uniform nodes on rectangular and irregular domains. Besides, we have compared the proposed meshless method with the standard finite element method due to the used CPU time.

Exploring different FEM strategies for hydro-mechanical coupled gas injection simulation in clay materials

Over the last few decades, the study of gas injection in porous media, particularly under multi-field coupled conditions, has emerged as a prominent focus within the field of geotechnical engineering. This article presents a comprehensive comparison of three numerical strategies, evaluating their impact on computational efficiency and result accuracy during Hydro-Mechanical (HM) coupled simulations of gas injection in clay-based geomaterials. This comprehensive comparison encompasses three numerical simulation methods for the mechanical sub-problem: The Standard Finite Element Method (SFEM), the Standard Finite Element Method with Selective Integration (SFEM+SI), and the Mixed Finite Element Method (MFEM). The Heat and Gas Fracking model (HGFRAC) is introduced to illustrate the computational characteristics of these methods. The results indicate that the effective application of SFEM is heavily dependent on a high-precision mesh. Convergence issues may arise when dealing with relatively coarse meshes. Nevertheless, these convergence issues can be effectively mitigated by incorporating either the Selective Integration method or the MFEM formulations. In terms of computational efficiency, it is evident that the SFEM+SI method demonstrates higher efficiency than SFEM and MFEM. However, it is noteworthy that the computed gas flow patterns of SFEM and SFEM+SI can be affected by the alignment of the mesh. With MFEM, displacements and strains are calculated as independent unknowns, enhancing result accuracy and achieving mesh independence.

Optimized Dual‐Volumes for Tetrahedral Meshes

AbstractConstructing well‐behaved Laplacian and mass matrices is essential for tetrahedral mesh processing. Unfortunately, the de facto standard linear finite elements exhibit bias on tetrahedralized regular grids, motivating the development of finite‐volume methods. In this paper, we place existing methods into a common construction, showing how their differences amount to the choice of simplex centers. These choices lead to satisfaction or breakdown of important properties: continuity with respect to vertex positions, positive semi‐definiteness of the implied Dirichlet energy, positivity of the mass matrix, and unbiased‐ness on regular grids. Based on this analysis, we propose a new method for constructing dual‐volumes which explicitly satisfy all of these properties via convex optimization.

Nonlinear Seismic Analysis of Concrete Dams Using ABAQUS-Based Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method

ABSTRACT The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is implemented in ABAQUS through the user subroutine interface. The accuracy of the proposed method and computer program are verified by using two benchmark examples. With the coupled SBFEM and standard finite element method (FEM), the dynamic interaction model of concrete dam – reservoir – foundation considering the geometrical nonlinearity of transverse joints is established using the viscous-spring absorbing boundary conditions. The overlaying element technique is applied to define the contact interface of transverse joints. The dynamic characteristics and linear seismic response of the Koyna gravity dam have been analyzed using polyhedral elements. Finally, nonlinear seismic analysis of the NG5 arch dam has been conducted. The calculated results are in good agreement with those of ABAQUS built-in elements. Moreover, numerical examples demonstrate that proposed method has high computational accuracy and can be applied to the dynamic analysis of complex engineering structures.

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of shear- and torsion-free rods using isogeometric discretization and outlier removal

AbstractIn this paper, we present a discrete formulation of nonlinear shear- and torsion-free rods introduced by Gebhardt and Romero (Acta Mechanica 232(10):3825–3847, 2021) that uses isogeometric discretization and robust time integration. Omitting the director as an independent variable field, we reduce the number of degrees of freedom and obtain discrete solutions in multiple copies of the Euclidean space $$\left( \mathbb {R}^3\right) $$ R 3 , which is larger than the corresponding multiple copies of the manifold $$\left( \mathbb {R}^3 \varvec{\times } S^2\right) $$ R 3 × S 2 obtained with standard Hermite finite elements. For implicit time integration, we choose the same integration scheme as Gebhardt and Romero in (2021) that is a hybrid form of the midpoint and the trapezoidal rules. In addition, we apply a recently introduced approach for outlier removal by Hiemstra et al. (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 387:114115, 2021) that reduces high-frequency content in the response without affecting the accuracy, ensuring robustness of our nonlinear discrete formulation. We illustrate the efficiency of our nonlinear discrete formulation for static and transient rods under different loading conditions, demonstrating good accuracy in space, time and the frequency domain. Our numerical example coincides with a relevant application case, the simulation of mooring lines.

A three-dimensional finite strain volumetric cohesive XFEM-based model for ductile fracture

The verification/prediction by numerical simulation of the resistance of large-scale metal structures subjected to extreme loading (e.g. accidental mechanical overload) that can lead to failure constitutes a major issue in the transport, energy, and defense sectors. This work aims to develop a three-dimensional numerical methodology (i) capable of macroscopically accounting for the various dissipative mechanisms of plasticity and damage until failure, (ii) formulated within the framework of large deformation, (iii) implemented in a commercial computation code, and (iv) mesh-objective. The commercial computational code is ABAQUS-std, and the methodology is implemented as a user finite element (UEL). Geometric non-linearities are treated within the framework of an updated Lagrangian formulation (ULF). The more or less diffuse damage phase is described by the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) microporous plasticity model with standard finite element (FE). The micro-void coalescence phase-induced dilation/shear band is described using an original volumetric cohesive extended finite element method approach (VCZM-XFEM). The progressive loss of cohesion leading to ultimate cracking is treated with extended finite element method (XFEM). Particular attention is paid to transition criteria (damage to localization, localization to cracking), to the orientation of the localization plane (especially in Mode II), to the cohesive zone model and to techniques for overcoming numerical difficulties (volumetric locking, numerical integration). The so-built 3D-FS-GTN-VCZM-XFEM unified methodology is capable of reproducing the degradation mechanisms, and, the failure surface shape and orientation in large elasto-plastic deformation of structures typical of laboratory tests, even for fairly coarse meshes.

Use of Cohesive Approaches for Modelling Critical States in Fibre-Reinforced Structural Materials.

During the operation of structures, stress and deformation fields occur inside the materials used, which often ends in fatal damage of the entire structure. Therefore, the modelling of this damage, including the possible formation and growth of cracks, is at the forefront of numerical and applied mathematics. The finite element method (FEM) and its modification will allow us to predict the behaviour of these structural materials. Furthermore, some practical applications based on cohesive approach are tested. The main effort is devoted to composites with fibres and searching for procedures for their accurate modelling, mainly in the area where damage can be expected to occur. The use of the cohesive approach of elements that represent the physical nature of energy release in front of the crack front has proven to be promising not only in the direct use of cohesive elements, but also in combination with modified methods of standard finite elements.

An adaptive modeling method with a local choice of optimal displacement fields for finite element analysis of structures

In the standard finite element procedure, the user chooses himself which mechanical theory will be used for a given application. To this end, he relies on some rules acquired through experience or some theoretical consideration. But choosing an appropriate theory may be a difficult task when geometry, boundary conditions, loadings, and materials are complex. This paper aims to define an adaptive methodology to identify, in the context of linear static analysis, optimal finite element models from a theory choice point of view. A criterion is defined to choose, in each part of the structure, the relevant mechanical theory: solid, shell or beam. A solid mesh is defined for the whole structure while specific solid-shell or solid-beam approaches are used in shell or beam areas respectively. This avoids the construction of mid-surface or mid-axis geometries from solid ones, which is a complicated task, in particular for industrial applications. Kinematic relations between nodes are imposed to apply the displacement fields of shell or beam theories. This leads to a set of linear equations which are used for eliminating slave degrees of freedom. The methodology proposed can also be interpreted as a model size reduction method, compared to a complete solid approach. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through two numerical examples, including academic cantilever structures and an industrial multilayered composite structure.