A robust and efficient substepping scheme for the explicit numerical integration of a rate‐dependent crystal plasticity model

This paper describes the development of efficient and robust numerical integration schemes for rate‐dependent crystal plasticity models. A forward Euler integration algorithm is first formulated. An integration algorithm based on the modified Euler method with an adaptive substepping scheme is then proposed, where the substepping is mainly controlled by the local error of the stress predictions within the time step. Both integration algorithms are implemented in a stand‐alone code with the Taylor aggregate assumption and in an explicit finite element code. The robustness, accuracy and efficiency of the substepping scheme are extensively evaluated for large time steps, extremely low strain‐rate sensitivity, high deformation rates and strain‐path changes using the stand‐alone code. The results show that the substepping scheme is robust and in some cases one order of magnitude faster than the forward Euler algorithm. The use of mass scaling to reduce computation time in crystal plasticity finite element simulations for quasi‐static problems is also discussed. Finally, simulation of Taylor bar impact test is carried out to show the applicability and robustness of the proposed integration algorithm for the modelling of dynamic problems with contact. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An adaptive hybrid time‐stepping scheme for highly non‐linear strongly coupled problems

This paper deals with the design and implementation of an adaptive hybrid scheme for the solution of highly non‐linear, strongly coupled problems. The term ‘hybrid’ refers to a composite time stepping scheme where a controller decides whether a monolithic scheme or a fractional step (splitting) scheme is appropriate for a given time step. The criteria are based on accuracy and efficiency. The key contribution of this paper is the development of a framework for incorporating error criteria for stepsize selection and a mechanism for choosing from splitting or monolithic possibilities. The resulting framework is applied to silylation, a highly non‐linear, strongly coupled problem of solvent diffusion and reaction in deforming polymers. Numerical examples show the efficacy of our new hybrid scheme on both two‐ and three‐dimensional silylation simulations in the context of microlithography. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An artificial compressibility based fractional step method for solving time dependent incompressible flow equations. Temporal accuracy and similarity with a monolithic method

In this note, an artificial compressibility based fractional step method is analysed against a monolithic scheme for solving incompressible flow equations. The artificial compressibility (AC) procedure presented in this paper is stabilized via a characteristic based split (CBS), and thus it is referred to as the AC-CBS method. The monolithic method used for comparison in the present study is the pressure stabilized Petrov–Galerkin (PSPG) method. It is shown that the AC-CBS and PSPG procedures are identical in structure, except for the stabilization parameters. For unsteady problems, a dual time stepping algorithm is employed in the AC-CBS scheme. Unlike classical fractional step methods, this dual time stepping mechanism circumvents the temporal pressure splitting error, and thus provides the anticipated temporal accuracy. The temporal accuracy of the AC-CBS method is demonstrated via a standard benchmark problem. Up to fourth order time accurate schemes are introduced for a thorough analysis of the AC-CBS scheme.     

Efficient time stepping for the multiplicative Maxwell fluid including the Mooney‐Rivlin hyperelasticity

A popular version of the finite‐strain Maxwell fluid is considered, which is based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient tensor. The model combines Newtonian viscosity with hyperelasticity of the Mooney‐Rivlin type; it is a special case of the viscoplasticity model proposed by Simo and Miehe in 1992. A simple, efficient, and robust implicit time‐stepping procedure is suggested. Lagrangian and Eulerian versions of the algorithm are available, with equivalent properties. The numerical scheme is iteration free, unconditionally stable, and first order accurate. It exactly preserves the inelastic incompressibility, symmetry, and positive definiteness of the internal variables and w‐invariance. The accuracy of the stress computations is tested using a series of numerical simulations involving a nonproportional loading and large strain increments. In terms of accuracy, the proposed algorithm is equivalent to the modified Euler backward method with exact inelastic incompressibility; the proposed method is also equivalent to the classical integration method based on exponential mapping. Since the new method is iteration free, it is more robust and computationally efficient. The algorithm is implemented into MSC.MARC, and a series of initial boundary value problems is solved to demonstrate the usability of the numerical procedures.     

Step size adjustment and extrapolation for time‐stepping schemes in non‐smooth dynamics

In this paper we use step size adjustment and extrapolation methods to improve Moreau's time‐stepping scheme for the numerical integration of non‐smooth mechanical systems, i.e. systems with impact and friction. The scheme yields a system of inclusions, which is transformed into a system of projective equations. These equations are solved iteratively. Switching points are time instants for which the structure of the mechanical system changes, for example, time instants for which a sticking friction element begins to slide. We show how switching points can be localized and how these points can be resolved by choosing a minimal step size. In order to improve the integration of non‐smooth systems in the smooth parts, we show how the time‐stepping method can be used as a base integration scheme for extrapolation methods, which allow for an increase in the integration order. Switching points are processed by a small time step, while time intervals during which the structure of the system does not change are computed with a larger step size and improved integration order. The overall algorithm, which consists of a time‐stepping module, an extrapolation module and a step size adjustment module, is discussed in detail and some examples are given. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interaction of time stepping and convection schemes for unsteady flow simulation

For the time dependent flow simulation, despite the existence of extensive literature dealing with either the convection or the unsteady terms, their interaction has not been adequately investigated. In order to shed more light on this important issue, three time stepping methods, including the first-order backward Euler scheme, the second-order Crank-Nicolson scheme, and the third-order Adams-Bashforth/Adams-Moulton predictor-corrector scheme are studied along with four convection schemes, including the first-order upwind, the second-order upwind, the second-order central differencing, and QUICK schemes. The Burgers equation of both linear and nonlinear forms is used as the test problem, aided by the von Neumann stability analysis and the FFT spectral analysis. The results indicate that a second-or higher-order accuracy for both time and space discretizations can produce satisfactory results for smooth solution profiles. Overall, among the schemes tested, either a combination of first-order upwind for convection and Crank-Nicolson for time, or a combination of second-order upwind for convection and backward Euler for time performs better. It appears that by selectively utilizing the dispersive and diffusive characteristics of the time stepping and convection schemes in complementary manners, overall accuracy can be improved.     

Remarks on the interpretation of current non‐linear finite element analyses as differential–algebraic equations

For the numerical solution of materially non‐linear problems like in computational plasticity or viscoplasticity the finite element discretization in space is usually coupled with point‐wise defined evolution equations characterizing the material behaviour. The interpretation of such systems as differential–algebraic equations (DAE) allows modern‐day integration algorithms from Numerical Mathematics to be efficiently applied. Especially, the application of diagonally implicit Runge–Kutta methods (DIRK) together with a Multilevel‐Newton method preserves the algorithmic structure of current finite element implementations which are based on the principle of virtual displacements and on backward Euler schemes for the local time integration. Moreover, the notion of the consistent tangent operator becomes more obvious in this context. The quadratical order of convergence of the Multilevel‐Newton algorithm is usually validated by numerical studies. However, an analytical proof of this second order convergence has already been given by authors in the field of non‐linear electrical networks. We show that this proof can be applied in the current context based on the DAE interpretation mentioned above. We finally compare the proposed procedure to several well‐known stress algorithms and show that the inclusion of a step‐size control based on local error estimations merely requires a small extra time‐investment. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A fast convergent and accurate temperature model for phase‐change heat conduction

This work proposes a temperature‐based finite element model for transient heat conduction involving phase‐change. Like preceding temperature‐based models, it is characterized by the discontinuous spatial integration over the elements affected by the phase‐change. Using linear triangles or tetrahedrals, integration can be performed in a closed analytical way, assuring an exact evaluation of the discrete balance equation. Because of its unconditional stability, an Euler‐backward time‐stepping scheme is implemented. A crucial fact is the computation of the exact tangent matrices for the Newton–Raphson solution of the non‐linear system of discretized equations. Efficiency of the model is tested by means of the results obtained for the Neumann problem and the solidification of a steel ingot. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel numerical method of high‐order accuracy for flow in unsaturated porous media

We construct finite volume schemes of very high order of accuracy in space and time for solving the nonlinear Richards equation (RE). The general scheme is based on a three‐stage predictor–corrector procedure. First, a high‐order weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) reconstruction procedure is applied to the cell averages at the current time level to guarantee monotonicity in the presence of steep gradients. Second, the temporal evolution of the WENO reconstruction polynomials is computed in a predictor stage by using a global weak form of the governing equations. A global space–time DG FEM is used to obtain a scheme without the parabolic time‐step restriction caused by the presence of the diffusion term in the RE. The resulting nonlinear algebraic system is solved by a Newton–Krylov method, where the generalized minimal residual method algorithm of Saad and Schulz is used to solve the linear subsystems. Finally, as a third step, the cell averages of the finite volume method are updated using a one‐step scheme, on the basis of the solution calculated previously in the space–time predictor stage. Our scheme is validated against analytical, experimental, and other numerical reference solutions in four test cases. A numerical convergence study performed allows us to show that the proposed novel scheme is high order accurate in space and time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An implicit–explicit solution method for electro‐osmotic flow through three‐dimensional micro‐channels

This paper presents a comprehensive finite‐element modelling approach to electro‐osmotic flows on unstructured meshes. The non‐linear equation governing the electric potential is solved using an iterative algorithm. The employed algorithm is based on a preconditioned GMRES scheme. The linear Laplace equation governing the external electric potential is solved using a standard pre‐conditioned conjugate gradient solver. The coupled fluid dynamics equations are solved using a fractional step‐based, fully explicit, artificial compressibility scheme. This combination of an implicit approach to the electric potential equations and an explicit discretization to the Navier–Stokes equations is one of the best ways of solving the coupled equations in a memory‐efficient manner. The local time‐stepping approach used in the solution of the fluid flow equations accelerates the solution to a steady state faster than by using a global time‐stepping approach. The fully explicit form and the fractional stages of the fluid dynamics equations make the system memory efficient and free of pressure instability. In addition to these advantages, the proposed method is suitable for use on both structured and unstructured meshes with a highly non‐uniform distribution of element sizes. The accuracy of the proposed procedure is demonstrated by solving a basic micro‐channel flow problem and comparing the results against an analytical solution. The comparisons show excellent agreement between the numerical and analytical data. In addition to the benchmark solution, we have also presented results for flow through a fully three‐dimensional rectangular channel to further demonstrate the application of the presented method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new predictor–corrector approach for the numerical integration of coupled electromechanical equations

In this paper, a new approach for the numerical solution of coupled electromechanical problems is presented. The structure of the considered problem consists of the low‐frequency integral formulation of the Maxwell equations coupled with Newton–Euler rigid‐body dynamic equations. Two different integration schemes based on the predictor–corrector approach are presented and discussed. In the first method, the electrical equation is integrated with an implicit single‐step time marching algorithm, while the mechanical dynamics is studied by a predictor–corrector scheme. The predictor uses the forward Euler method, while the corrector is based on the trapezoidal rule. The second method is based on the use of two interleaved predictor–corrector schemes: one for the electrical equations and the other for the mechanical ones. Both the presented methods have been validated by comparison with experimental data (when available) and with results obtained by other numerical formulations; in problems characterized by low speeds, both schemes produce accurate results, with similar computation times. When high speeds are involved, the first scheme needs shorter time steps (i.e., longer computation times) in order to achieve the same accuracy of the second one. A brief discussion on extending the algorithm for simulating deformable bodies is also presented. An example of application to a two‐degree‐of‐freedom levitating device based on permanent magnets is finally reported. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element formulation for modelling large deformations in elasto‐viscoplastic polycrystals

Anisotropic, elasto‐viscoplastic behaviour in polycrystalline materials is modelled using a new, updated Lagrangian formulation based on a three‐field form of the Hu‐Washizu variational principle to create a stable finite element method in the context of nearly incompressible behaviour. The meso‐scale is characterized by a representative volume element, which contains grains governed by single crystal behaviour. A new, fully implicit, two‐level, backward Euler integration scheme together with an efficient finite element formulation, including consistent linearization, is presented. The proposed finite element model is capable of predicting non‐homogeneous meso‐fields, which, for example, may impact subsequent recrystallization. Finally, simple deformations involving an aluminium alloy are considered in order to demonstrate the algorithm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element solution of free‐surface ship‐wave problems

An unstructured finite element solver to evaluate the ship‐wave problem is presented. The scheme uses a non‐structured finite element algorithm for the Euler or Navier–Stokes flow as for the free‐surface boundary problem. The incompressible flow equations are solved via a fractional step method whereas the non‐linear free‐surface equation is solved via a reference surface which allows fixed and moving meshes. A new non‐structured stabilized approximation is used to eliminate spurious numerical oscillations of the free surface. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A finite element constitutive update scheme for anisotropic,viscoelastic solids exhibiting non‐linearity of the Schapery type

This study presents a new scheme for performing integration point constitutive updates for anisotropic, small strain, non‐linear viscoelasticity, within the context of implicit, non‐linear finite element structural analysis. While the basic scheme has been presented earlier by the authors for linear viscoelasticity, the present work illustrates the generality of the underlying fundamentals by extending to Schapery's non‐linear model. The method features a judicious choice of state variables, a stable backward Euler integration step, and a consistent tangent operator. Its greatest strength lies in ready incorporation into existing FEM codes. Numerical examples involving homogeneous stress states such as uniaxial extension and simple shear, and non‐uniform stress states such as a beam under tip load, were carried out by incorporating the present scheme into a general purpose FEM package. Excellent agreement with analytical results is observed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element/finite volume approaches with adaptive time stepping strategies for transient thermal problems

Transient thermal analysis of engineering materials and structures by space discretization techniques such as the finite element method (FEM) or finite volume method (FVM) lead to a system of parabolic ordinary differential equations in time. These semidiscrete equations are traditionally solved using the generalized trapezoidal family of time integration algorithms which uses a constant single time step. This single time step is normally selected based on the stability and accuracy criteria of the time integration method employed. For long duration transient analysis and/or when severe time step restrictions as in nonlinear problems prohibit the use of taking a larger time step, a single time stepping strategy for the thermal analysis may not be optimal during the entire temporal analysis. As a consequence, an adaptive time stepping strategy which computes the time step based on the local truncation error with a good global error control may be used to obtain optimal time steps for use during the entire analysis. Such an adaptive time stepping approach is described here. Also proposed is an approach for employing combinedFEM/FVM mesh partitionings to achieve numerically improved physical representations. Adaptive time stepping is employed thoughout to practical linear/nonlinear transient engineering problems for studying their effectiveness in finite element and finite volume thermal analysis simulations. Additional support and computing times were furnished by Minnesota Supercomputer Institute at the University of Minnesota.     

On the implicit integration of rate‐dependent inelastic constitutive models

Although there are many different algorithms for the integration of inelastic constitutive models, the fully implicit backward Euler method has become the most popular one. In this study further investigations on the accuracy of the backward Euler method have been carried out. Also the performance of the discontinuous Galerkin family and some implicit Runge–Kutta time integrators is evaluated. By using a simple scalar model problem accuracy of some integrators is studied when a single finite time step is applied. Conclusions drawn from this scalar model problem has been verified to apply also to a full six‐dimensional strain space formulation by numerical means. Special emphasis is placed on rate‐dependent inelastic creep models. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel accurate and computationally efficient integration approach to viscoplastic constitutive model

A novel, accurate, and computationally efficient integration approach is developed to integrate small strain viscoplastic constitutive equations involving nonlinear coupled first-order ordinary differential equations. The developed integration scheme is achieved by a combination of the implicit backward Euler difference approximation and the implicit asymptotic integration. For the uniaxial loading case, the developed integration scheme produces accurate results irrespective of time steps. For the multiaxial loading case, the accuracy and computational efficiency of the developed integration scheme are better than those of either the implicit backward Euler difference approximation or the implicit asymptotic integration. The simplicity of the developed integration scheme is equivalent to that of the implicit backward Euler difference approximation since it also reduces the solution of integrated constitutive equations to the solution of a single nonlinear equation. The algorithm tangent constitutive matrix derived for the developed integration scheme is consistent with the integration algorithm and preserves the quadratic convergence of the Newton–Raphson method for global iterations.     

Iterative LCP solvers for non‐local loading–unloading conditions

This paper deals with the finite element analysis of a certain class of non‐local dissipative constitutive models, where the canonical pointwise backward‐Euler scheme cannot be employed for satisfying the loading–unloading conditions. In the presence of a non‐local dissipation, the admissibility conditions in a point depend on the inelastic strain increment of the surrounding points and can be cast as a linear complementarity problem (LCP) involving all Gauss points of the process zone. In order to actually solve the LCP, the use of iterative algorithms that can be easily embodied into existing FE codes is discussed. The performance of the proposed algorithms is tested in 1D and 2D examples for both elastoplastic and damaging materials. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element simulation of adaptive bone remodelling: A stability criterion and a time stepping method

Adaptive bone remodelling simulations which use finite element analysis can potentially aid in the design of orthopedic implants and can provide examples which test specific bone remodelling hypotheses in a quantitative manner. By concentrating on remodelling algorithms in which the geometry is fixed but the tissue stiffness changes based on strain energy density, we have predicted stability conditions for bone remodelling and we have tested the applicability of these conditions using numerical simulations. The stability requirements arrived at using a finite element formulation are similar to the requirements arrived at in an earlier analytical study. In order to test the stability conditions, we have developed an Euler backward time stepping technique which uses the derivation for stability. These simulations arrived at solutions which were impossible using Euler forward time stepping as applied in this study. Cases in which a simplified version of the derived Euler backward method are unstable or marginally stable have also been seen, but when the Euler backward method is applied using the full derived matrices, no instabilities are apparent. The results of the stability tests indicate that the converged density distributions in the examples studied are stable. Although a priori conditions which ensure stability are not found, a test for stability is provided, given an assumed density distribution.     

Robust and provably second‐order explicit–explicit and implicit–explicit staggered time‐integrators for highly non‐linear compressible fluid–structure interaction problems

An explicit–explicit staggered time‐integration algorithm and an implicit–explicit counterpart are presented for the solution of non‐linear transient fluid–structure interaction problems in the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) setting. In the explicit–explicit case where the usually desirable simultaneous updating of the fluid and structural states is both natural and trivial, staggering is shown to improve numerical stability. Using rigorous ALE extensions of the two‐stage explicit Runge–Kutta and three‐point backward difference methods for the fluid, and in both cases the explicit central difference scheme for the structure, second‐order time‐accuracy is achieved for the coupled explicit–explicit and implicit–explicit fluid–structure time‐integration methods, respectively, via suitable predictors and careful stagings of the computational steps. The robustness of both methods and their proven second‐order time‐accuracy are verified for sample application problems. Their potential for the solution of highly non‐linear fluid–structure interaction problems is demonstrated and validated with the simulation of the dynamic collapse of a cylindrical shell submerged in water. The obtained numerical results demonstrate that, even for fluid–structure applications with strong added mass effects, a carefully designed staggered and subiteration‐free time‐integrator can achieve numerical stability and robustness with respect to the slenderness of the structure, as long as the fluid is justifiably modeled as a compressible medium. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.