Adaptive tetrahedral remeshing for modified solid models

During the engineering design process, a designed engineering component is usually repeatedly modified and analyzed to reach final design objectives, and completely mesh regeneration for each design change is very time consuming. An efficient remeshing approach for modified solid models using existing prior existing meshes is proposed in this paper to resolve this issue. It is mainly achieved via three main steps: different face (between the input model and its modification) identification, local destruction zone generation, and local mesh regeneration. In this approach, by carefully selecting a destruction zone to be removed from the original mesh model, a final geometric adaptive mesh model of the modified model is generated, which is very important for downstream analysis accuracy control. Additionally, the complex boundary of the variation region that needs to be remeshed is set up by merging the boundaries of modified region and the destruction zone without using complex intersection operations, which ensure the approach’s robustness. Experimental results on practical engineering parts are also shown to demonstrate the method’s performance.     

A triangular finite element with local remeshing for the large strain analysis of axisymmetric solids

In this work, a three-node triangular finite element with two degrees of freedom per node for the large strain elasto-plastic analysis of axisymmetric solids is presented. The formulation resorts to the adjacent elements to obtain a quadratic interpolation of the geometry over a patch of four elements from which an average deformation gradient is defined. Thus, the element formulation falls within the framework of assumed strain elements or more precisely of F-bar type formulations. The in-plane behavior of the element is similar to the linear strain triangle, but without the drawbacks of the quadratic triangle, e.g. contact or distortion sensitivity. The element does not suffer of volumetric locking in problems with isochoric plastic flow and the implementation is simple. It has been implemented in a finite element code with explicit time integration of the momentum equations and tools that allow the simulation of industrial processes. The widely accepted multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient in elastic and plastic components is adopted here. An isotropic material with non-linear isotropic hardening has been considered. Two versions of the element have been implemented based on a Total and an Updated Lagrangian Formulation, respectively. Some approximations have been considered in the latter formulation aimed to reduce the number of operations in order to increase numerical efficiency. To consider bulk forming, with large geometric changes, an automatic local remeshing strategy has been developed. Several examples are considered to assess the element performance with and without remeshing.     

Mixed finite element models for plate bending analysis theory

The theoretical background of mixed finite element models, in general for nonlinear problems, is briefly reexamined. In the first part of the paper, several alternative “mixed” formulations for 3-D continua undergoing large elastic deformations under the action of time dependent external loading are outlined and are examined incisively. It is concluded that mixed finite element formulations, wherein the interpolants for the stress field satisfy only a part of the domain equilibrium equations, are not only consistent from a theoretical standpoint but are also preferable from an implementation point of view. In the second part of the paper, alternative variational bases for the development of thin-plate elements are presented and discussed in detail. In light of this discussion, it is concluded that the “bad press” generated in the past concerning the practical relevance of the so-called assumed stress hybrid finite element model is not justified. Moreover, the advantages of this type of elements as compared with the “assumed displacement” or alternative mixed elements are outlined.     

Evaluation of integrals for a ten-node isoparametric tetrahedral finite element

The use of isoparametric finite elemts in solving three-dimensional problems typically requires the numerical evaluation of a large number of integrals over individual element domains. The evaluation of these integrals by numerical quadrature, which is the traditional approach, can be computationally expensive. For certain problems the present study provides a more efficient method for evaluation of the needed integrals. For these problems some or all of the desired integrals can be evaluated as linear combinations of basic integrals whose integrands are either (i) products of shape (interpolation) functions or (ii) a derivative of a shape function times a product of one or more shape functions. Basic integrals of these two types (when written in terms of local coordinate systems) have integrands which are polynomial both in the variables of integration and in the nodal coordinates and, thus, can be expressed as linear combinations (with rational number coefficients) of a set of polynomial functions of the nodal coordinates. Group theoretic techniques can be employed to select appropriate sets of polynomial functions for use in these expansions and to reduce substantially the number of basic integrals which need to be explicitly evaluated.

The details for the approach have been worked out for a ten-node isoparametric tetrahedral element through the use of MACSYMA, a computer system for algebraic manipulation. The symmetry group for this element has order 24. The basic integrals of types (i) and (ii) are expressed as linear combinations of 20 and 26 terms, respectively. The special case of a straight-edged tetrahedral element with mid-edge nodes is also discussed.     

Efficient approaches to finite element analysis in earthquake engineering

This paper deals with the modeling of reinforced concrete structures subjected to earthquake ground motion. Due to the complex behavior of both materials and structures, efficient numerical tools are developed herein in order to keep accuracy and robustness for large scale computations. We focus our attention on the use of simplified multifiber beam element describing the response of structural components and on macro-element accounting for soil-structure interaction.     

Attribute specification for finite element models

Two different approaches for the application of problem specific attributes to finite element models are discussed. In both approaches interactive computer graphics techniques and the use of a top-down program approach is emphasized. The major difference in the approaches is the point during problem definition that the attributes are applied and manifests itself primarily in the program's database with little effect on program operation. Program operation is demonstrated through the use of an example problem. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches are discussed.     

An error analysis approach for laminated composite plate finite element models

Errors in laminated composite plate finite element models occur at both the individual element level and at the discretization level. This paper shows that parasitic shear causes individual element errors and that its sources must be eliminated if numerically and physically correct results are to be provided by the finite element analysis. In addition, discretization errors occur when the behavior of the continuum is represented by a finite number of degrees of freedom. A procedure to estimate discretization errors in laminated composite plate finite element models and guide refinement, in order to achieve an acceptable level of accuracy, is developed. The error estimator built is based on the energy norm of the error in stress resultants.     

Efficient elastic-plastic finite element analysis with higher order stress-point algorithms

The treatment of elastic-plastic problems with finite elements depends essentially on the methods used for state determination and the solution of the nonlinear equations. A systematic formulation of the state determination leads to higher order algorithms, which can better satisfy demands on accuracy and computational costs. The state determination influences highly the solution method for the system of nonlinear equations. In a comparison between Newton and a quasi-Newton method it is shown, that quasi-Newton methods are more suited for an efficient computation in combination with accurate path independent state determination algorithms.     

Mixed finite element models for plate bending analysis: A new element and its applications

With a few exceptions, finite element packages available in today's commercial software environment contain in their libraries displacement-type elements only. The present paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility that properly formulated mixed-type elements compete most favorably with displacement-type elements and should, therefore, be considered as potential candidates for inclusion in general purpose finite element packages. In doing so, the development of a new triangular doubly—curved mixed-hybrid shallow shell element and its extensive testing in carefully chosen example problems are reported on.     

Large-scale 3D random polycrystals for the finite element method: Generation,meshing and remeshing

A methodology is presented for the generation and meshing of large-scale three-dimensional random polycrystals. Voronoi tessellations are used and are shown to include morphological properties that make them particularly challenging to mesh with high element quality. Original approaches are presented to solve these problems: (i) “geometry regularization”, which consists in removing the geometrical details of the polycrystal morphology, (ii) “multimeshing” which consists in using simultaneously several meshing algorithms to optimize mesh quality, and (iii) remeshing, by which a new mesh is constructed over a deformed mesh and the state variables are transported, for large strain applications. Detailed statistical analyses are conducted on the polycrystal morphology and mesh quality. The results are mainly illustrated by the high-quality meshing of polycrystals with large number of grains (up to 10⁵), and the finite element method simulation of a plane strain compression of ε = 1.4 of a 3000-grain polycrystal. The presented algorithms are implemented and distributed in a free (open-source) software package: Neper.     

Probability of failure models in finite element analysis of brittle materials

A model of failure for brittle materials is presented, based on the weakest link hypothesis and Weibull distribution function. Methods of computing the probability of failure of a structural component, and numerical implementation in a finite element program, are shown. Computer subroutines are included.     

Efficient feature selection techniques for sentiment analysis

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Sentiment analysis is a domain of study that focuses on identifying and classifying the ideas expressed in the form of text into positive, negative and neutral...     

Nonlinear finite element analysis of concrete structures using new constitutive models

Nonlinear finite element analysis was applied to various types of reinforced concrete structures using a new set of constitutive models established in the fixed-angle softened-truss model (FA-STM). A computer code FEAPRC was developed specifically for application to reinforced concrete structures by modifying the general-purpose program FEAP. FEAPRC can take care of the four important characteristics of cracked reinforced concrete: (1) the softening effect of concrete in compression, (2) the tension-stiffening effect by concrete in tension, (3) the average (or smeared) stress–strain curve of steel bars embedded in concrete, and (4) the new, rational shear modulus of concrete. The predictions made by FEAPRC are in good agreement with the experimental results of beams, panels, and framed shear walls.     

Accuracy of some finite element models for arch problems

This paper presents a theoretical accuracy study of some finite element models for thin arches. As is well known, the selection of finite elements for curved members is quite a delicate problem. We obtain order estimates of errors of finite element solutions by means of the perturbation theory of mixed models and the technique of asymptotic expansion. In particular, we theoretically show that certain finite element models may suffer from the so-called locking phenomenon. Numerical results are also given to be compared with the theoretical error estimates.     

Support system for finite element analysis

This paper describes work aimed at developing an intelligent support system for finite element modeling and a methodology for managing input data model. Analyzing various statement structures of input data, three structural interface models — the hierarchical browser, the spread sheet and the model generator — are proposed for advanced representation and editing. Two knowledge models composed of macro visual data representation (user oriented model) and micro regularized data representation (processor oriented model) are revealed in conformity with the approach of object-orientation. Moreover, an extended relational schema composed of a composite object (assembly of functional elements) and several abstracted scalar indexes has been implemented for case retrieval.     

Knowledge-based control for finite element analysis

This paper shows that control logic may be separated from analysis software and that a knowledge-based expert system can use this logic to perform interactive computation. Heuristics that control a simple interactive finite element analysis program are represented using a rule-based format and are used by a goal-driven logic processor to invoke analysis activity.Traditional algorithm-oriented control and the proposed knowledge-based control are compared in a simple displacement computation scenario to identify the advantages/disadvantages of the two approaches. General activities and constraints, practical methods of reasoning and representation, and knowledge-based expert systems are discussed with emphasis on applications to interactive finite element analysis.An analysis control expert system has been developed for use in the numerical analysis of two-dimensional linear problems in solid and structural mechanics. An example problem is used to clarify the methods used to direct activity and to identify the problems associated with conditional task processing for interactive analysis.The main difference between the analysis program described in this paper and conventional analysis programs is related to the control architecture. The general conclusion of this paper is that knowledge-based control is more effective and flexible than algorithm-oriented control.     

A mixed interface finite element for cohesive zone models

The phenomena of crack initiation, propagation and ultimate fracture are studied here under the following assumptions: (i) the crack law is modelled by means of a cohesive zone model and (ii) the crack paths are postulated a priori. In this context, a variational formulation is proposed which relies on an augmented Lagrangian. A mixed interface finite element is introduced to discretise the crack paths, the degrees of freedom of which consist in the displacement on both crack lips and the density of cohesive forces. This enables an exact treatment of multi-valued cohesive laws (e.g. initial adhesion, contact conditions, possible rigid unloading, etc.), without penalty regularisation.A special attention is paid to the convergence with mesh-refinement, i.e. the well-posedness of the problem, on the basis of theoretical results of contact mechanics and some complementary numerical investigations. Fulfilment of the LBB condition is the key factor to gain the desired properties. Moreover, it is shown that the integration of the constitutive law admits a unique solution as soon as some condition on the augmented Lagrangian is enforced. Finally, a 3D simulation shows the applicability to practical engineer problems, including in particular the robustness of the formulation and its compatibility with classical solution algorithms (Newton method, line-search, path-following techniques).     

Network-distributed finite element analysis

The widespread availability of local-area networks has made the combined processing power of workstations a viable approach for compute-intensive analyses. In this paper, we describe several distributed algorithms for structural analysis using finite element methods, and we assess their performance on a conventional Ethernet-connected workstation network. Direct, iterative and hybrid equation solvers are evaluated for their performance on plane-elasticity problems, and are contrasted with respect to overall solution time and efficiency in distributing computations over a network. Equations modeling the costs of network communication and structural analysis computations are derived, and are subsequently used to predict the performance of several variations on the implemented algorithms. Our results show that each of the methods performs well on network architectures, and in particular that, while direct methods usually minimize network communication, certain iterative and hybrid methods can often be used to minimize overall solution time.     

Efficient design sensitivity derivatives for multi-load case structures as an integrated part of finite element analysis

In most structural optimization problems the accurate calculation of design sensitivity derivatives is required many times during the optimization process. For large structures with multi-load cases the computational costs are sometimes prohibitive. In this paper an approach for incorporating design sensitivity calculations into the finite element analysis of multi-load case structures is presented. A formulation designed to minimize the computational time for the assembled stiffness matrix derivatives is discussed for different element types. The formulation depends on the implicit differentiation method and requires few additional calculations to obtain the design sensitivity derivatives. The approach is developed and implemented to calculate the design sensitivities for continuum and structural isoparametric elements. To demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the developed approach some test cases using different structural and continuum element types are presented.