A space–time discontinuous Galerkin method for the solution of the wave equation in the time domain

In recent years, the focus of research in the field of computational acoustics has shifted to the medium frequency regime and multiscale wave propagation. This has led to the development of new concepts including the discontinuous enrichment method. Its basic principle is the incorporation of features of the governing partial differential equation in the approximation. In this contribution, this concept is adapted for the simulation of transient problems governed by the wave equation. We present a space–time discontinuous Galerkin method with Lagrange multipliers, where the shape approximation in space and time is based on solutions of the homogeneous wave equation. The use of hierarchical wave‐like basis functions is enabled by means of a variational formulation that allows for discontinuities in both the spatial and the temporal discretizations. Numerical examples in one space dimension demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed method compared with conventional space–time finite element methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A discontinuous Galerkin method with plane waves for sound‐absorbing materials

Poro‐elastic materials are commonly used for passive control of noise and vibration and are key to reducing noise emissions in many engineering applications, including the aerospace, automotive and energy industries. More efficient computational models are required to further optimise the use of such materials. In this paper, we present a discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) with plane waves for poro‐elastic materials using the Biot theory solved in the frequency domain. This approach offers significant gains in computational efficiency and is simple to implement (costly numerical quadratures of highly oscillatory integrals are not needed). It is shown that the Biot equations can be easily cast as a set of conservation equations suitable for the formulation of the wave‐based DGM. A key contribution is a general formulation of boundary conditions as well as coupling conditions between different propagation media. This is particularly important when modelling porous materials as they are generally coupled with other media, such as the surround fluid or an elastic structure. The validation of the method is described first for a simple wave propagating through a porous material, and then for the scattering of an acoustic wave by a porous cylinder. The accuracy, conditioning and computational cost of the method are assessed, and comparison with the standard finite element method is included. It is found that the benefits of the wave‐based DGM are fully realised for the Biot equations and that the numerical model is able to accurately capture both the oscillations and the rapid attenuation of the waves in the porous material. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparison of wave‐based discontinuous Galerkin,ultra‐weak and least‐square methods for wave problems

Several numerical methods using non‐polynomial interpolation have been proposed for wave propagation problems at high frequencies. The common feature of these methods is that in each element, the solution is approximated by a set of local solutions. They can provide very accurate solutions with a much smaller number of degrees of freedom compared to polynomial interpolation. There are however significant differences in the way the matching conditions enforcing the continuity of the solution between elements can be formulated. The similarities and discrepancies between several non‐polynomial numerical methods are discussed in the context of the Helmholtz equation. The present comparison is concerned with the ultra‐weak variational formulation (UWVF), the least‐squares method (LSM) and the discontinuous Galerkin method with numerical flux (DGM). An analysis in terms of Trefftz methods provides an interesting insight into the properties of these methods. Second, the UWVF and the LSM are reformulated in a similar fashion to that of the DGM. This offers a unified framework to understand the properties of several non‐polynomial methods. Numerical results are also presented to put in perspective the relative accuracy of the methods. The numerical accuracies of the methods are compared with the interpolation errors of the wave bases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for dynamic and wave propagation problems in non‐linear solids and saturated porous media

A time‐discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DGFEM) for dynamics and wave propagation in non‐linear solids and saturated porous media is presented. The main distinct characteristic of the proposed DGFEM is that the specific P3–P1 interpolation approximation, which uses piecewise cubic (Hermite's polynomial) and linear interpolations for both displacements and velocities, in the time domain is particularly proposed. Consequently, continuity of the displacement vector at each discrete time instant is exactly ensured, whereas discontinuity of the velocity vector at the discrete time levels still remains. The computational cost is then obviously saved, particularly in the materially non‐linear problems, as compared with that required for the existing DGFEM. Both the implicit and explicit algorithms are developed to solve the derived formulations for linear and materially non‐linear problems. Numerical results illustrate good performance of the present method in eliminating spurious numerical oscillations and in providing much more accurate solutions over the traditional Galerkin finite element method using the Newmark algorithm in the time domain. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Linear finite elements with orthogonal discontinuous basis functions for explicit earthquake ground motion modeling

The dynamic explicit finite element method is commonly used in earthquake ground motion modeling. In this method, the element mass matrix is approximately lumped, which may lead to numerical dispersion. On the other hand, the orthogonal finite element method, based on orthogonal polynomial basis functions, naturally derives a lumped diagonal mass matrix and can be applied to dynamic explicit finite element analysis. In this paper, we propose finite elements based on orthogonal discontinuous basis functions, the element mass matrices of which are lumped without approximation. Orthogonal discontinuous basis functions are used to improve the accuracy and reduce the numerical dispersion in earthquake ground motion modeling. We present a detailed formulation of the 4‐node tetrahedral and 8‐node hexahedral elements. The relationship between the proposed finite elements and conventional finite elements is investigated, and the solutions obtained from the conventional explicit finite element method are compared with analytical solutions to verify the numerical dispersion caused by the lumping approximation. Comparison of solutions obtained with the proposed finite elements to analytical solutions demonstrates the usefulness of the technique. Examples are also presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in earthquake ground motion modeling in the actual three‐dimensional crust structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A domain decomposition method for discontinuous Galerkin discretizations of Helmholtz problems with plane waves and Lagrange multipliers

A nonoverlapping domain decomposition (DD) method is proposed for the iterative solution of systems of equations arising from the discretization of Helmholtz problems by the discontinuous enrichment method. This discretization method is a discontinuous Galerkin finite element method with plane wave basis functions for approximating locally the solution and dual Lagrange multipliers for weakly enforcing its continuity over the element interfaces. The primal subdomain degrees of freedom are eliminated by local static condensations to obtain an algebraic system of equations formulated in terms of the interface Lagrange multipliers only. As in the FETI‐H and FETI‐DPH DD methods for continuous Galerkin discretizations, this system of Lagrange multipliers is iteratively solved by a Krylov method equipped with both a local preconditioner based on subdomain data, and a global one using a coarse space. Numerical experiments performed for two‐ and three‐dimensional acoustic scattering problems suggest that the proposed DD‐based iterative solver is scalable with respect to both the size of the global problem and the number of subdomains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The partition of unity finite element method for short wave acoustic propagation on non‐uniform potential flows

A novel numerical method is proposed for modelling time‐harmonic acoustic propagation of short wavelength disturbances on non‐uniform potential flows. The method is based on the partition of unity finite element method in which a local basis of discrete plane waves is used to enrich the conventional finite element approximation space. The basis functions are local solutions of the governing equations. They are able to represent accurately the highly oscillatory behaviour of the solution within each element while taking into account the convective effect of the flow and the spatial variation in local sound speed when the flow is non‐uniform. Many wavelengths can be included within a single element leading to ultra‐sparse meshes. Results presented in this article will demonstrate that accurate solutions can be obtained in this way for a greatly reduced number of degrees of freedom when compared to conventional element or grid‐based schemes. Numerical results for lined uniform two‐dimensional ducts and for non‐uniform axisymmetric ducts are presented to indicate the accuracy and performance which can be achieved. Numerical studies indicate that the ‘pollution’ effect associated with cumulative dispersion error in conventional finite element schemes is largely eliminated. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improvements for the ultra weak variational formulation

In this paper, we investigate strategies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the ultra weak variational formulation (UWVF) of the Helmholtz equation. The UWVF is a Trefftz type, nonpolynomial method using basis functions derived from solutions of the adjoint Helmholtz equation. We shall consider three choices of basis function: propagating plane waves (original choice), Bessel basis functions, and evanescent wave basis functions. Traditionally, two‐dimensional triangular elements are used to discretize the computational domain. However, the element shapes affect the conditioning of the UWVF. Hence, we investigate the use of different element shapes aiming to lower the condition number and number of degrees of freedom. Our results include the first tests of a plane wave method on meshes of mixed element types. In many modeling problems, evanescent waves occur naturally and are challenging to model. Therefore, we introduce evanescent wave basis functions for the first time in the UWVF to tackle rapidly decaying wave modes. The advantages of an evanescent wave basis are verified by numerical simulations on domains including curved interfaces.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three‐dimensional BEM for scattering of elastic waves in general anisotropic media

Based on the full‐space Green's functions, a three‐dimensional time‐harmonic boundary element method is presented for the scattering of elastic waves in a triclinic full space. The boundary integral equations for incident, scattered and total wave fields are given. An efficient numerical method is proposed to calculate the free terms for any geometry. The discretization of the boundary integral equation is achieved by using a linear triangular element. Applications are discussed for scattering of elastic waves by a spherical cavity in a 3D triclinic medium. The method has been tested by comparing the numerical results with the existing analytical solutions for an isotropic problem. The results show that, in addition to the frequency of the incident waves, the scattered waves strongly depend on the anisotropy of the media. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discontinuous Galerkin method based on peridynamic theory for linear elasticity

Modeling of discontinuities (shock waves, crack surfaces, etc.) in solid mechanics is one of the major research areas in modeling the mechanical behavior of materials. Among the numerical methods, the discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) poses some advantages in solving these problems. In this study, a novel formulation for DGM is derived for elastostatics based on the peridynamic theory. Derivation of the proposed formulation is presented. Numerical analyses are performed for different problems, and the numerical results are compared to that of the known exact solutions of the problems. The proposed weak formulation is stable and coercive. Peridynamic discontinuous Galerkin formulation is found to be robust and successful in modeling elastostatic problems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A SPACE–TIME FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR THE EXTERIOR STRUCTURAL ACOUSTICS PROBLEM: TIME-DEPENDENT RADIATION BOUNDARY CONDITIONS IN TWO SPACE DIMENSIONS

A time-discontinuous Galerkin space–time finite element method is formulated for the exterior structural acoustics problem in two space dimensions. The problem is posed over a bounded computational domain with local time-dependent radiation (absorbing) boundary conditions applied to the fluid truncation boundary. Absorbing boundary conditions are incorporated as ‘natural’ boundary conditions in the space–time variational equation, i.e. they are enforced weakly in both space and time. Following Bayliss and Turkel, time-dependent radiation boundary conditions for the two-dimensional wave equation are developed from an asymptotic approximation to the exact solution in the frequency domain expressed in negative powers of a non-dimensional wavenumber. In this paper, we undertake a brief development of the time-dependent radiation boundary conditions, establishing their relationship to the exact impedance (Dirichlet-to-Neumann map) for the acoustic fluid, and characterize their accuracy when implemented in our space–time finite element formulation for transient structural acoustics. Stability estimates are reported together with an analysis of the positive form of the matrix problem emanating from the space–time variational equations for the coupled fluid-structure system. Several numerical simulations of transient radiation and scattering in two space dimensions are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the space–time method.     

SPEED: SPectral Elements in Elastodynamics with Discontinuous Galerkin: a non‐conforming approach for 3D multi‐scale problems

This work presents a new high performance open‐source numerical code, namely SPectral Elements in Elastodynamics with Discontinuous Galerkin, to approach seismic wave propagation analysis in visco‐elastic heterogeneous three‐dimensional media on both local and regional scale. Based on non‐conforming high‐order techniques, such as the discontinuous Galerkin spectral approximation, along with efficient and scalable algorithms, the code allows one to deal with a non‐uniform polynomial degree distribution as well as a locally varying mesh size. Validation benchmarks are illustrated to check the accuracy, stability, and performance features of the parallel kernel, whereas illustrative examples are discussed to highlight the engineering applications of the method. The proposed method turns out to be particularly useful for a variety of earthquake engineering problems, such as modeling of dynamic soil structure and site‐city interaction effects, where accounting for multiscale wave propagation phenomena as well as sharp discontinuities in mechanical properties of the media is crucial. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adaptive backward difference formula–Discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the solution of conservation laws

We deal with the numerical solution of the system of conservation laws. Although this approach has been proposed for a simulation of inviscid compressible flow, it can be straightforwardly applied to more general problems. We carried out the space semi‐discretization by the discontinuous Galerkin finite element (DGFE) method, which is based on a piecewise polynomial discontinuous approximation. The resulting system of ordinary differential equations is discretized by the backward difference formula (BDF). A suitable linearization of the physical fluxes leads to a scheme that is practically unconditionally stable and has a higher order of accuracy with respect to the space and time coordinates and we solve a linear algebraic system at each time level. Moreover, we develop an adaptive technique for a choice of the length of the time step that is based on the use of two BDFs of the same order of accuracy. We call the resulting scheme the ABDF–DGFE (adaptive BDF–DGFE) method. Finally, the efficiency of the presented adaptive strategy is documented by a set of numerical examples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The extended/generalized finite element method: An overview of the method and its applications

An overview of the extended/generalized finite element method (GEFM/XFEM) with emphasis on methodological issues is presented. This method enables the accurate approximation of solutions that involve jumps, kinks, singularities, and other locally non‐smooth features within elements. This is achieved by enriching the polynomial approximation space of the classical finite element method. The GEFM/XFEM has shown its potential in a variety of applications that involve non‐smooth solutions near interfaces: Among them are the simulation of cracks, shear bands, dislocations, solidification, and multi‐field problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A high order hybrid finite element method applied to the solution of electromagnetic wave scattering problems in the time domain

The development of a hybrid high order time domain finite element solution procedure for the simulation of two dimensional problems in computational electromagnetics is considered. The chosen application area is that of electromagnetic scattering. The spatial approximation adopted incorporates both a continuous Galerkin spectral element method and a high order discontinuous Galerkin method. Temporal discretisation is achieved by means of a fourth order Runge–Kutta procedure. An exact analytical solution is employed initially to validate the procedure and the numerical performance is then demonstrated for a number of more challenging examples.     

Extended finite element method for three‐dimensional crack modelling

An extended finite element method (X‐FEM) for three‐dimensional crack modelling is described. A discontinuous function and the two‐dimensional asymptotic crack‐tip displacement fields are added to the finite element approximation to account for the crack using the notion of partition of unity. This enables the domain to be modelled by finite elements with no explicit meshing of the crack surfaces. Computational geometry issues associated with the representation of the crack and the enrichment of the finite element approximation are discussed. Stress intensity factors (SIFs) for planar three‐dimensional cracks are presented, which are found to be in good agreement with benchmark solutions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A combined space–time extended finite element method

The Newmark method for the numerical integration of second order equations has been extensively used and studied along the past fifty years for structural dynamics and various fields of mechanical engineering. Easy implementation and nice properties of this method and its derivatives for linear problems are appreciated but the main drawback is the treatment of discontinuities. Zienkiewicz proposed an approach using finite element concept in time, which allows a new look at the Newmark method. The idea of this paper is to propose, thanks to this approach, the use of a time partition of the unity method denoted Time Extended Finite Element Method (TX‐FEM) for improved numerical simulations of time discontinuities. An enriched basis of shape functions in time is used to capture with a good accuracy the non‐polynomial part of the solution. This formulation allows a suitable form of the time‐stepping formulae to study stability and energy conservation. The case of an enrichment with the Heaviside function is developed and can be seen as an alternative approach to time discontinuous Galerkin method (T‐DGM), stability and accuracy properties of which can be derived from those of the TX‐FEM. Then Space and Time X‐FEM (STX‐FEM) are combined to obtain a unified space–time discretization. This combined STX‐FEM appears to be a suitable technique for space–time discontinuous problems like dynamic crack propagation or other applications involving moving discontinuities. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Explicit finite element artificial boundary scheme for transient scalar waves in two‐dimensional unbounded waveguide

To simulate the transient scalar wave propagation in a two‐dimensional unbounded waveguide, an explicit finite element artificial boundary scheme is proposed, which couples the standard dynamic finite element method for complex near field and a high‐order accurate artificial boundary condition (ABC) for simple far field. An exact dynamic‐stiffness ABC that is global in space and time is constructed. A temporal localization method is developed, which consists of the rational function approximation in the frequency domain and the auxiliary variable realization into time domain. This method is applied to the dynamic‐stiffness ABC to result in a high‐order accurate ABC that is local in time but global in space. By discretizing the high‐order accurate ABC along artificial boundary and coupling the result with the standard lumped‐mass finite element equation of near field, a coupled dynamic equation is obtained, which is a symmetric system of purely second‐order ordinary differential equations in time with the diagonal mass and non‐diagonal damping matrices. A new explicit time integration algorithm in structural dynamics is used to solve this equation. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modelling of elastic wave scattering in frequency domain by the partition of unity finite element method

In this paper, we investigate a numerical approach based on the partition of unity finite element method, for the time‐harmonic elastic wave equations. The aim of the proposed work is to accurately model two‐dimensional elastic wave problems with fewer elements, capable of containing many wavelengths per nodal spacing, and without refining the mesh at each frequency. The approximation of the displacement field is performed via the standard finite element shape functions, enriched by superimposing pressure and shear plane wave basis, which incorporate knowledge of the wave propagation. A variational framework able to handle mixed boundary conditions is described. Numerical examples dealing with the radiation and the scattering of elastic waves by a circular body are presented. The results show the performance of the proposed method in both accuracy and efficiency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Fourier approximation for finite amplitude short‐crested waves

Abstract

A numerical scheme using Fourier series approximation is presented to calculate short‐crested waves of finite amplitude in water of arbitrary uniform depth. The numerical model preserves the water surface elevation in an implicit form which retains the nonlinear nature of the dynamic and kinematic free surface boundary conditions. Accurate solutions can be derived for the variations in frequency, wave profiles and properties of pressures. The present model is directly reducible to the two‐dimensional limiting cases of progressive and standing waves.