A time‐integration method for the viscoelastic–viscoplastic analyses of polymers and finite element implementation

The present study introduces a time‐integration algorithm for solving a non‐linear viscoelastic–viscoplastic (VE–VP) constitutive equation of isotropic polymers. The material parameters in the constitutive models are stress dependent. The algorithm is derived based on an implicit time‐integration method (Computational Inelasticity. Springer: New York, 1998) within a general displacement‐based finite element (FE) analysis and suitable for small deformation gradient problems. Schapery's integral model is used for the VE responses, while the VP component follows the Perzyna model having an overstress function. A recursive‐iterative method (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2004; 59 :25–45) is employed and modified to solve the VE–VP constitutive equation. An iterative procedure with predictor–corrector steps is added to the recursive integration method. A residual vector is defined for the incremental total strain and the magnitude of the incremental VP strain. A consistent tangent stiffness matrix, as previously discussed in Ju (J. Eng. Mech. 1990; 116 :1764–1779) and Simo and Hughes (Computational Inelasticity. Springer: New York, 1998), is also formulated to improve convergence and avoid divergence. Available experimental data on time‐dependent and inelastic responses of high‐density polyethylene are used to verify the current numerical algorithm. The time‐integration scheme is examined in terms of its computational efficiency and accuracy. Numerical FE analyses of microstructural responses of polyethylene reinforced with elastic particle are also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Viscoelastic incremental formulation using creep and relaxation differential approaches

A new incremental formulation in the time domain for linear, non-ageing viscoelastic materials undergoing mechanical deformation is presented in this work. The formulation is derived from linear differential equations based on a discrete spectrum representation for the creep and relaxation tensors. The incremental constitutive equations are then obtained by finite difference integration. Thus the difficulty of retaining the stress and strain history in computer solutions is avoided. A complete general formulation of linear viscoelastic stress analysis is developed in terms of increments of strains and stresses in order to establish the constitutive stress–strain relationship. The presented method is validated using numerical simulations and reliable results are obtained.     

Multiscale modeling of impact on heterogeneous viscoelastic solids containing evolving microcracks

Multiscale computational techniques play a major role in solving problems related to viscoelastic composites due to the complexities inherent to these materials. In this paper, a numerical procedure for multiscale modeling of impact on heterogeneous viscoelastic solids containing evolving microcracks is proposed in which the (global scale) homogenized viscoelastic incremental constitutive equations have the same form as the local‐scale viscoelastic incremental constitutive equations, but the homogenized tangent constitutive tensor and the homogenized incremental history‐dependent stress tensor at the global scale depend on the amount of damage accumulated at the local scale. Furthermore, the developed technique allows the computation of the full anisotropic incremental constitutive tensor of viscoelastic solids containing evolving cracks (and other kinds of heterogeneities) by solving the micromechanical problem only once at each material point and each time step. The procedure is basically developed by relating the local‐scale displacement field to the global‐scale strain tensor and using first‐order homogenization techniques. The finite element formulation is developed and some example problems are presented in order to verify the approach and demonstrate the model capabilities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Incremental viscoelastic formulation using generalized variables for thin structures: relaxation differential approach

This paper presents a new incremental formulation in the time domain for linear, non-ageing viscoelastic materials undergoing mechanical deformation. The transformation of the viscoelastic continuum problem from the integral to the differential form is achieved. The formulation is derived from linear differential equations based on a discrete spectrum representation for the relaxation tensor using generalized variables and applied to thin structures. This leads to incremental constitutive formulations using the finite difference integration. Thus, the difficulty of retaining the strain history in computer solutions is avoided. A complete general formulation of linear viscoelastic strain analysis is developed in terms of increments of generalized stresses and strains. An illustrative example is included to demonstrate the method.     

3-D schapery representation for non-linear viscoelasticity and finite element implementation

On the basis of the one-dimensional Schapery representation for non-linear viscoelasticity, a three-dimensional constitutive model incorporating the effects of temperature and physical ageing is developed for isotropic non-linear viscoelastic materials. Adopting the assumption that the hydrostatic and deviatoric responses are uncoupled, the contitutive equation is expressed in incremental form for both compressible and incompressible materials, with the hereditary integral updated at the end of each time increment by recursive computation. The proposed model is implemented in the finite element package MARC. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and the numerical algorithms.Laboratory for Engineering Mechanics, Delft University of Technology, P. O. Box 5033, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands     

A simultaneous solution procedure for strong interactions of generalized Newtonian fluids and viscoelastic solids at large strains

The paper presents a methodology for numerical analyses of coupled systems exhibiting strong interactions of viscoelastic solids and generalized Newtonian fluids. In the monolithic approach, velocity variables are used for both solid and fluid, and the entire set of model equations is discretized with stabilized space–time finite elements. A viscoelastic material model for finite deformations, which is based on the concept of internal variables, describes the stress‐deformation behaviour of the solid. In the generalized Newtonian approach for the fluid, the viscosity depends on the shear strain rate, leading to common non‐Newtonian fluid models like the power‐law. The consideration of non‐linear constitutive equations for solid and fluid documents the capability of the monolithic space–time finite element formulation to deal with complex material models. The methodology is applied to fluid‐conveying cantilevered pipes in order to determine the influence of material non‐linearities on stability characteristics of coupled systems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element implementation of non‐linear elastoplastic constitutive laws using local and global explicit algorithms with automatic error control

Implicit stress integration algorithms have been demonstrated to provide a robust formulation for finite element analyses in computational mechanics, but are difficult and impractical to apply to increasingly complex non‐linear constitutive laws. This paper discusses the performance of fully explicit local and global algorithms with automatic error control used to integrate general non‐linear constitutive laws into a non‐linear finite element computer code. The local explicit stress integration procedure falls under the category of return mapping algorithm with standard operator split and does not require the determination of initial yield or the use of any form of stress adjustment to prevent drift from the yield surface. The global equations are solved using an explicit load stepping with automatic error control algorithm in which the convergence criterion is used to compute automatically the coarse load increment size. The proposed numerical procedure is illustrated here through the implementation of a set of elastoplastic constitutive relations including isotropic and kinematic hardening as well as small strain hysteretic non‐linearity. A series of numerical simulations confirm the robustness, accuracy and efficiency of the algorithms at the local and global level. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT FORMULATION FOR THERMOVISCOELASTIC ORTHOTROPIC MEDIA

This paper is concerned with the development of a numerical algorithm for the solution of the uncoupled, quasistatic initial/boundary value problem involving orthotropic linear viscoelastic media undergoing thermal and/or mechanical deformation. The constitutive equations, expressed in integral form involving the relaxation moduli, are transformed into an incremental algebraic form prior to development of the finite element formulation. This incrementalization is accomplished in closed form and results in a recursive relationship which leads to the need of solving a simple set of linear algebraic equations only for the extraction of the finite element solution. Use is made of a Dirichlet–Prony series representation of the relaxation moduli in order to derive the recursive relationship and thereby eliminate the storage problem that arises when dealing with materials possessing memory. Three illustrative example problems are included to demonstrate the method. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic inflation of non‐linear elastic and viscoelastic rubber‐like membranes

The present paper deals with the dynamic inflation of rubber‐like membranes.The material is assumed to obey the hyperelastic Mooney's model or the non‐linear viscoelastic Christensen's model. The governing equations of free inflation are solved by a total Lagrangian finite element method for the spatial discretization and an explicit finite‐difference algorithm for the time‐integration scheme. The numerical implementation of constitutive equations is highlighted and the special case of integral viscoelastic models is examined in detail. The external force consists in a gas flow rate, which is more realistic than a pressure time history. Then, an original method is used to calculate the pressure evolution inside the bubble depending on the deformation state. Our numerical procedure is illustrated through different examples and compared with both analytical and experimental results. These comparisons yield good agreement and show the ability of our approach to simulate both stable and unstable large strain inflations of rubber‐like membranes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Incremental constitutive formulation for time dependent materials: creep integral approach

This paper deals with the development of a mathematical approach for the solution of linear, non-ageing viscoelastic materials undergoing mechanical deformation. The formulation is derived from integral approach based on a discrete spectrum representation for the creep tensor. Finite difference integration is used to discretize the integral operators. The resulting constitutive model contains an internal state variable which represents the influence of the whole past history of stress and strain. Thus the difficulty of retaining the strain history in computer solutions is avoided. A complete general formulation of linear viscoelastic stress-strain analysis is developed in terms of increments of stresses and strains. Numerical simulations are included in order to validate the incremental constitutive equations.     

Conservation properties of a time FE method—part II: Time‐stepping schemes for non‐linear elastodynamics

In the present paper one‐step implicit integration algorithms for non‐linear elastodynamics are developed. The discretization process rests on Galerkin methods in space and time. In particular, the continuous Galerkin method applied to the Hamiltonian formulation of semidiscrete non‐linear elastodynamics lies at the heart of the time‐stepping schemes. Algorithmic conservation of energy and angular momentum are shown to be closely related to quadrature formulas that are required for the calculation of time integrals. We newly introduce the ‘assumed strain method in time’ which enables the design of energy–momentum conserving schemes and which can be interpreted as temporal counterpart of the well‐established assumed strain method for finite elements in space. The numerical examples deal with quasi‐rigid motion as well as large‐strain motion. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aeroelastic forces and dynamic response of long‐span bridges

In this paper a time domain approach for predicting the non‐linear dynamic response of long‐span bridges is presented. In particular the method that leads to the formulation of aeroelastic and buffeting forces in the time domain is illustrated in detail, where a recursive algorithm for the memory term's integration is properly developed. Moreover in such an approach the forces' expressions, usually formulated according to quasi‐static theory, have been substituted by expressions including the frequency‐dependent characteristics. Such expressions of aeroelastic and buffeting forces are made explicit in the time domain by means of the convolution integral that involves the impulse functions and the structural motion or the fluctuating velocities. A finite element model (FEM) has been developed within the framework of geometrically non linear analysis, by using 3‐d degenerated finite element. The proposed procedure can be used to analyze both the flutter instability phenomenon and buffeting response. Moreover, working in the geometrically non‐linearity range, it verifies the possibility of strongly flexible structures of actively resisting the wind loading. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhanced transverse shear strain shell formulation applied to large elasto‐plastic deformation problems

In this work, a previously proposed Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) finite element formulation for thin shells is revised and extended to account for isotropic and anisotropic material non‐linearities. Transverse shear and membrane‐locking patterns are successfully removed from the displacement‐based formulation. The resultant EAS shell finite element does not rely on any other mixed formulation, since the enhanced strain field is designed to fulfil the null transverse shear strain subspace coming from the classical degenerated formulation. At the same time, a minimum number of enhanced variables is achieved, when compared with previous works in the field. Non‐linear effects are treated within a local reference frame affected by the rigid‐body part of the total deformation. Additive and multiplicative update procedures for the finite rotation degrees‐of‐freedom are implemented to correctly reproduce mid‐point configurations along the incremental deformation path, improving the overall convergence rate. The stress and strain tensors update in the local frame, together with an additive treatment of the EAS terms, lead to a straightforward implementation of non‐linear geometric and material relations. Accuracy of the implemented algorithms is shown in isotropic and anisotropic elasto‐plastic problems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Incremental forms of Schapery’s model: convergence and inversion to simulate strain controlled ramps

Schapery’s nonlinear viscoelastic model is written in incremental form, and three different approximations of nonlinearity functions in the time increment are systematically analysed with respect to the convergence rate. It is shown that secant slope is the best approximation of the time shift factor, leading to significantly higher convergence rate. This incremental form of the viscoelastic model, Zapas’ model for viscoplasticity, supplemented with terms accounting for damage effect is used to predict inelastic behaviour of material in stress controlled tests. Then the incremental formulation is inverted to simulate stress development in ramps where strain is the input parameter. A comparison with tests shows good ability of the model in inverted form to predict stress–strain response as long as the applied strain is increasing. However, in strain controlled ramps with unloading, the inverted model shows unrealistic hysteresis loops. This is believed to be a proof of the theoretically known incompatibility of the stress and strain controlled formulations for nonlinear materials. It also shows limitations of material models identified in stress controlled tests for use in strain controlled tests.     

A three‐dimensional element‐free Galerkin elastic and elastoplastic formulation

A small strain, three‐dimensional, elastic and elastoplastic Element‐Free Galerkin (EFG) formulation is developed. Singular weight functions are utilized in the Moving‐Least‐Squares (MLS) determination of shape functions and shape function derivatives allowing accurate, direct nodal imposition of essential boundary conditions. A variable domain of influence EFG method is introduced leading to increased efficiency in computing the MLS shape functions and their derivatives. The elastoplastic formulations are based on the consistent tangent operator approach and closely follow the incremental formulations for non‐linear analysis using finite elements. Several linear elastic and small strain elastoplastic numerical examples are presented to verify the accuracy of the numerical formulations. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An extension of Hill's three‐component model to include different fibre types in finite element modelling of muscle

Most of the proposed versions of the Hill's model use a sliding‐element theory, considering a single sarcomere. However, a muscle represents a collection of different fibre types with a large range in contractile properties among them. An extension of Hill's three‐component model is proposed here to take into account different fibre types. We present a model consisting of a number of sarcomeras of different types coupled in parallel with the connective tissue. Each sarcomere is modelled by one non‐linear elastic element connected in series with one non‐linear contractile element. Using the finite element method, in an incremental‐iterative scheme of calculating equilibrium configurations of a muscle, the key step is the determination of stresses corresponding to strain increments. The stress calculation procedure for the extended Hill's model is reduced to the solution of a number of independent non‐linear equations with respect to the stretch increments of the serial elastic elements in each sarcomere. Since the distribution of the specific fibre type is non‐uniform over the muscle volume, we have material heterogeneity which we modelled by using the so‐called ‘Generalized Isoparametric Element Formulation’ for functionally graded materials (FGMs). The proposed computational scheme is built in our FE package PAK, so that muscles of complex three‐dimensional shapes can be modelled. In numerical examples, we illustrate the main characteristics of the developed numerical model and some possibilities of realistic modelling of muscle functioning. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mixed finite element method for coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical process in poro‐elasto‐plastic media at large strains

A mixed finite element for coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) analysis in unsaturated porous media is proposed. Displacements, strains, the net stresses for the solid phase; pressures, pressure gradients, Darcy velocities for pore water and pore air phases; temperature, temperature gradients, the total heat flux are interpolated as independent variables. The weak form of the governing equations of coupled THM problems in porous media within the element is given on the basis of the Hu–Washizu three‐filed variational principle. The proposed mixed finite element formulation is derived. The non‐linear version of the element formulation is further derived with particular consideration of the THM constitutive model for unsaturated porous media based on the CAP model. The return mapping algorithm for the integration of the rate constitutive equation, the consistent elasto‐plastic tangent modulus matrix and the element tangent stiffness matrix are developed. For geometrical non‐linearity, the co‐rotational formulation approach is utilized. Numerical results demonstrate the capability and the performance of the proposed element in modelling progressive failure characterized by strain localization and the softening behaviours caused by thermal and chemical effects. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel non‐linearly explicit second‐order accurate L‐stable methodology for finite deformation: hypoelastic/hypoelasto‐plastic structural dynamics problems

A novel non‐linearly explicit second‐order accurate L‐stable computational methodology for integrating the non‐linear equations of motion without non‐linear iterations during each time step, and the underlying implementation procedure is described. Emphasis is placed on illustrative non‐linear structural dynamics problems employing both total/updated Lagrangian formulations to handle finite deformation hypoelasticity/hypoelasto‐plasticity models in conjunction with a new explicit exact integration procedure for a particular rate form constitutive equation. Illustrative numerical examples are shown to demonstrate the robustness of the overall developments for non‐linear structural dynamics applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A three‐invariant hardening plasticity for numerical simulation of powder forming processes via the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian FE model

In this paper, a three‐invariant cap plasticity model with an isotropic hardening rule is presented for numerical simulation of powder compaction processes. A general form is developed for single‐cap plasticity which can be compared with some common double‐surface plasticity models proposed for powders in literature. The constitutive elasto‐plastic matrix and its components are derived based on the definition of yield surface, hardening parameter and non‐linear elastic behaviour, as function of relative density of powder. Different aspects of the new single plasticity are illustrated by generating the classical plasticity models as special cases of the proposed model. The procedure for determination of powder parameters is described by fitting the model to reproduce data from triaxial compression and confining pressure experiments. The three‐invariant cap plasticity is performed within the framework of an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation, in order to predict the non‐uniform relative density distribution during large deformation of powder die pressing. In ALE formulation, the reference configuration is used for describing the motion, instead of material configuration in Lagrangian, and spatial configuration in Eulerian formulation. This formulation introduces some convective terms in the finite element equations and consists of two phases. Each time step is analysed according to Lagrangian phase until required convergence is attained. Then, the Eulerian phase is applied to keep mesh configuration regular. Because of relative displacement between mesh and material, all dependent variables such as stress and strain are converted through the Eulerian phase. Finally, the numerical schemes are examined for efficiency and accuracy in the modelling of a rotational flanged component, an automotive component, a conical shaped‐charge liner and a connecting‐rod. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Non‐linear analysis of shells with arbitrary evolving cracks using XFEM

A new formulation and numerical procedures are developed for the analysis of arbitrary crack propagation in shells using the extended finite element method. The method is valid for completely non‐linear problems. Through‐the‐thickness cracks in sandwich shells are considered. An exact shell kinematics is presented, and a new enrichment of the rotation field is proposed which satisfies the director inextensibility condition. To avoid locking, an enhanced strain formulation is proposed for the 4‐node cracked shell element. A finite strain plane stress constitutive model based on the logarithmic corotational rate is employed. A cohesive zone model is introduced which embodies the special characteristics of the shell kinematics. Stress intensity factors are calculated for selected problems and crack propagation problems are solved. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.