A scaled boundary finite element formulation for poroelasticity

This paper develops the scaled boundary finite element formulation for applications in coupled field problems, in particular, to poroelasticity. The salient feature of this formulation is that it can be applied over arbitrary polygons and/or quadtree decomposition, which is widely employed to traverse between small and large scales. Moreover, the formulation can treat singularities of any order. Within this framework, 2 sets of semianalytical, scaled boundary shape functions are used to interpolate the displacement and the pore fluid pressure. These shape functions are obtained from the solution of vector and scalar Laplacian, respectively, which are then used to discretise the unknown field variables similar to that of the finite element method. The resulting system of equations are similar in form as that obtained using standard procedures such as the finite element method and, hence, solved using the standard procedures. The formulation is validated using several numerical benchmarks to demonstrate its accuracy and convergence properties.     

The scaled boundary finite element method in structural dynamics

The scaled boundary finite element method is extended to solve problems of structural dynamics. The dynamic stiffness matrix of a bounded (finite) domain is obtained as a continued fraction solution for the scaled boundary finite element equation. The inertial effect at high frequencies is modeled by high‐order terms of the continued fraction without introducing an internal mesh. By using this solution and introducing auxiliary variables, the equation of motion of the bounded domain is expressed in high‐order static stiffness and mass matrices. Standard procedures in structural dynamics can be applied to perform modal analyses and transient response analyses directly in the time domain. Numerical examples for modal and direct time‐domain analyses are presented. Rapid convergence is observed as the order of continued fraction increases. A guideline for selecting the order of continued fraction is proposed and validated. High computational efficiency is demonstrated for problems with stress singularity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A scaled boundary finite element formulation for dynamic elastoplastic analysis

This study presents the development of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) to simulate elastoplastic stress wave propagation problems subjected to transient dynamic loadings. Material nonlinearity is considered by first reformulating the SBFEM to obtain an explicit form of shape functions for polygons with an arbitrary number of sides. The material constitutive matrix and the residual stress fields are then determined as analytical polynomial functions in the scaled boundary coordinates through a local least squares fit to evaluate the elastoplastic stiffness matrix and the residual load vector semianalytically. The treatment of the inertial force within the solution of the nonlinear system of equations is also presented within the SBFEM framework. The nonlinear equation system is solved using the unconditionally stable Newmark time integration algorithm. The proposed formulation is validated using several benchmark numerical examples.     

A semi‐analytical curved element for linear elasticity based on the scaled boundary finite element method

This work introduces a semi‐analytical formulation for the simulation and modeling of curved structures based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This approach adapts the fundamental idea of the SBFEM concept to scale a boundary to describe a geometry. Until now, scaling in SBFEM has exclusively been performed along a straight coordinate that enlarges, shrinks, or shifts a given boundary. In this novel approach, scaling is based on a polar or cylindrical coordinate system such that a boundary is shifted along a curved scaling direction. The derived formulations are used to compute the static and dynamic stiffness matrices of homogeneous curved structures. The resulting elements can be coupled to general SBFEM or FEM domains. For elastodynamic problems, computations are performed in the frequency domain. Results of this work are validated using the global matrix method and standard finite element analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of higher‐order shape functions in the scaled boundary finite element method

The scaled boundary finite element method is a novel semi‐analytical technique, whose versatility, accuracy and efficiency are not only equal to, but potentially better than the finite element method and the boundary element method for certain problems. This paper investigates the possibility of using higher‐order polynomial functions for the shape functions. Two techniques for generating the higher‐order shape functions are investigated. In the first, the spectral element approach is used with Lagrange interpolation functions. In the second, hierarchical polynomial shape functions are employed to add new degrees of freedom into the domain without changing the existing ones, as in the p‐version of the finite element method. To check the accuracy of the proposed procedures, a plane strain problem for which an exact solution is available is employed. A more complex example involving three scaled boundary subdomains is also addressed. The rates of convergence of these examples under p‐refinement are compared with the corresponding rates of convergence achieved when uniform h‐refinement is used, allowing direct comparison of the computational cost of the two approaches. The results show that it is advantageous to use higher‐order elements, and that higher rates of convergence can be obtained using p‐refinement instead of h‐refinement. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The stochastic Galerkin scaled boundary finite element method on random domain

The research work extends the scaled boundary finite element method to non‐deterministic framework defined on random domain wherein random behaviour is exhibited in the presence of the random‐field uncertainties. The aim is to blend the scaled boundary finite element method into the Galerkin spectral stochastic methods, which leads to a proficient procedure for handling the stress singularity problems and crack analysis. The Young's modulus of structures is considered to have random‐field uncertainty resulting in the stochastic behaviour of responses. Mathematical expressions and the solution procedure are derived to evaluate the statistical characteristics of responses (displacement, strain, and stress) and stress intensity factors of cracked structures. The feasibility and effectiveness of the presented method are demonstrated by particularly chosen numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A high‐order approach for modelling transient wave propagation problems using the scaled boundary finite element method

A high‐order time‐domain approach for wave propagation in bounded and unbounded domains is proposed. It is based on the scaled boundary FEM, which excels in modelling unbounded domains and singularities. The dynamic stiffness matrices of bounded and unbounded domains are expressed as continued‐fraction expansions, which leads to accurate results with only about three terms per wavelength. An improved continued‐fraction approach for bounded domains is proposed, which yields numerically more robust time‐domain formulations. The coefficient matrices of the corresponding continued‐fraction expansion are determined recursively. The resulting solution is suitable for systems with many DOFs as it converges over the whole frequency range, even for high orders of expansion. A scheme for coupling the proposed improved high‐order time‐domain formulation for bounded domains with a high‐order transmitting boundary suggested previously is also proposed. In the time‐domain, the coupled model corresponds to equations of motion with symmetric, banded and frequency‐independent coefficient matrices, which can be solved efficiently using standard time‐integration schemes. Numerical examples for modal and time‐domain analysis are presented to demonstrate the increased robustness, efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A fast multi‐level convolution boundary element method for transient diffusion problems

A new algorithm is developed to evaluate the time convolution integrals that are associated with boundary element methods (BEM) for transient diffusion. This approach, which is based upon the multi‐level multi‐integration concepts of Brandt and Lubrecht, provides a fast, accurate and memory efficient time domain method for this entire class of problems. Conventional BEM approaches result in operation counts of order O(N²) for the discrete time convolution over N time steps. Here we focus on the formulation for linear problems of transient heat diffusion and demonstrate reduced computational complexity to order O(N^3/2) for three two‐dimensional model problems using the multi‐level convolution BEM. Memory requirements are also significantly reduced, while maintaining the same level of accuracy as the conventional time domain BEM approach. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Automatic image‐based stress analysis by the scaled boundary finite element method

Digital imaging technologies such as X‐ray scans and ultrasound provide a convenient and non‐invasive way to capture high‐resolution images. The colour intensity of digital images provides information on the geometrical features and material distribution which can be utilised for stress analysis. The proposed approach employs an automatic and robust algorithm to generate quadtree (2D) or octree (3D) meshes from digital images. The use of polygonal elements (2D) or polyhedral elements (3D) constructed by the scaled boundary finite element method avoids the issue of hanging nodes (mesh incompatibility) commonly encountered by finite elements on quadtree or octree meshes. The computational effort is reduced by considering the small number of cell patterns occurring in a quadtree or an octree mesh. Examples with analytical solutions in 2D and 3D are provided to show the validity of the approach. Other examples including the analysis of 2D and 3D microstructures of concrete specimens as well as of a domain containing multiple spherical holes are presented to demonstrate the versatility and the simplicity of the proposed technique. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A p‐hierarchical adaptive procedure for the scaled boundary finite element method

This paper describes a p‐hierarchical adaptive procedure based on minimizing the classical energy norm for the scaled boundary finite element method. The reference solution, which is the solution of the fine mesh formed by uniformly refining the current mesh element‐wise one order higher, is used to represent the unknown exact solution. The optimum mesh is assumed to be obtained when each element contributes equally to the global error. The refinement criteria and the energy norm‐based error estimator are described and formulated for the scaled boundary finite element method. The effectivity index is derived and used to examine quality of the proposed error estimator. An algorithm for implementing the proposed p‐hierarchical adaptive procedure is developed. Numerical studies are performed on various bounded domain and unbounded domain problems. The results reflect a number of key points. Higher‐order elements are shown to be highly efficient. The effectivity index indicates that the proposed error estimator based on the classical energy norm works effectively and that the reference solution employed is a high‐quality approximation of the exact solution. The proposed p‐hierarchical adaptive strategy works efficiently. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A unified 3D‐based technique for plate bending analysis using scaled boundary finite element method

This paper presents a unified technique for solving the plate bending problems by extending the scaled boundary finite element method. The formulation is based on the three‐dimensional governing equation without enforcing the kinematics of plate theory. Only the in‐plane dimensions are discretised into finite elements. Any two‐dimensional displacement‐based elements can be employed. The solution along the thickness is expressed analytically by using a matrix function. The proposed technique is consistent with the three‐dimensional theory and applicable to both thick and thin plates without exhibiting the numerical locking phenomenon. Moreover, the use of higher order spectral elements allows the proposed technique to better represent curved boundaries and to achieve high accuracy and fast convergence. Numerical examples of various plate structures with different thickness‐to‐length ratios demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the proposed technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling crack propagation in reinforced concrete using a hybrid finite element–scaled boundary finite element method

A previously developed hybrid finite element–scaled boundary finite element method (FEM–SBFEM) is extended to model multiple cohesive crack propagation in reinforced concrete. This hybrid method can efficiently extract accurate stress intensity factors from the semi-analytical solutions of SBFEM and is also flexible in remeshing multiple cracks. Crack propagation in the concrete bulk is modelled by automatically inserted cohesive interface elements with nonlinear softening laws. The concrete–reinforcement interaction is also modelled by cohesive interface elements. The bond shear stress–slip relation of CEB-FIP Model Code 90 and an empirical confining stress–crack opening relation are used to characterise slip and split failure at the concrete–reinforcement interface, respectively. Three RC beams were simulated. The numerical results agreed well with both experimental and numerical results available in the literature. Parametric studies demonstrated the importance of modelling both slip and split failure mechanisms at the concrete–reinforcement interface.     

Modelling dynamic crack propagation using the scaled boundary finite element method

This study presents a novel application of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) to model dynamic crack propagation problems. Accurate dynamic stress intensity factors are extracted directly from the semi‐analytical solutions of SBFEM. They are then used in the dynamic fracture criteria to determine the crack‐tip position, velocity and propagation direction. A simple, yet flexible remeshing algorithm is used to accommodate crack propagation. Three dynamic crack propagation problems that include mode‐I and mix‐mode fracture are modelled. The results show good agreement with experimental and numerical results available in the literature. It is found that the developed method offers some advantages over conventional FEM in terms of accuracy, efficiency and ease of implementation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic soil–structure interaction analysis of layered unbounded media via a coupled finite element/boundary element/scaled boundary finite element model

In this paper, a coupled model based on finite element method (FEM), boundary element method (BEM) and scaled boundary FEM (SBFEM) (also referred to as the consistent infinitesimal finite element cell method) for dynamic response of 2D structures resting on layered soil media is presented. The SBFEM proposed by Wolf and Song (Finite‐element Modelling of Unbounded Media. Wiley: England, 1996) and BEM are used for modelling the dynamic response of the unbounded media (far‐field). The standard FEM is used for modelling the finite region (near‐field) and the structure. In SBFEM, which is a semi‐analytical technique, the radiation condition at infinity is satisfied exactly without requiring the fundamental solution. This method, also eliminates the need for the discretization of interfaces between different layers. In both SBFEM and BEM, the spatial dimension is decreased by one. The objective of the development of this coupled model is to combine advantages of above‐mentioned three numerical models to solve various soil–structure interaction (SSI) problems efficiently and effectively. These three methods are coupled (FE–BE–SBFEM) via substructuring method, and a computer programme is developed for the harmonic analyses of SSI systems. The coupled model is established in such a way that, depending upon the problem and far‐field properties, one can choose BEM and/or SBFEM in modelling related far‐field region(s). Thus, BEM and/or SBFEM can be used efficiently in modelling the far‐field. The proposed model is applied to investigate dynamic response of rigid and elastic structures resting on layered soil media. To assess the proposed SSI model, several problems existing in the literature are chosen and analysed. The results of the proposed model agree with the results presented in the literature for the chosen problems. The advantages of the model are demonstrated through these comparisons. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A scaled boundary finite element based explicit topology optimization approach for three-dimensional structures

This article proposes an efficient approach for solving three-dimensional (3D) topology optimization problem. In this approach, the number of design variables in optimization as well as the number of degrees of freedom in structural response analysis can be reduced significantly. This is accomplished through the use of scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) for structural analysis under the moving morphable component (MMC)-based topology optimization framework. In the proposed method, accurate response analysis in the boundary region dictates the accuracy of the entire analysis. In this regard, an adaptive refinement scheme is developed where the refined mesh is only used in the boundary region while relating coarse mesh is used away from the boundary. Numerical examples demonstrate that the computational efficiency of 3D topology optimization can be improved effectively by the proposed approach.     

A frequency-domain approach for modelling transient elastodynamics using scaled boundary finite element method

This study develops a frequency-domain method for modelling general transient linear-elastic dynamic problems using the semi-analytical scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This approach first uses the newly-developed analytical Frobenius solution to the governing equilibrium equation system in the frequency domain to calculate complex frequency-response functions (CFRFs). This is followed by a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the transient load and a subsequent inverse FFT of the CFRFs to obtain time histories of structural responses. A set of wave propagation and structural dynamics problems, subjected to various load forms such as Heaviside step load, triangular blast load and ramped wind load, are modelled using the new approach. Due to the semi-analytical nature of the SBFEM, each problem is successfully modelled using a very small number of degrees of freedom. The numerical results agree very well with the analytical solutions and the results from detailed finite element analyses.     

Polygon scaled boundary finite elements for crack propagation modelling

An automatic crack propagation modelling technique using polygon elements is presented. A simple algorithm to generate a polygon mesh from a Delaunay triangulated mesh is implemented. The polygon element formulation is constructed from the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM), treating each polygon as a SBFEM subdomain and is very efficient in modelling singular stress fields in the vicinity of cracks. Stress intensity factors are computed directly from their definitions without any nodal enrichment functions. An automatic remeshing algorithm capable of handling any n‐sided polygon is developed to accommodate crack propagation. The algorithm is simple yet flexible because remeshing involves minimal changes to the global mesh and is limited to only polygons on the crack paths. The efficiency of the polygon SBFEM in computing accurate stress intensity factors is first demonstrated for a problem with a stationary crack. Four crack propagation benchmarks are then modelled to validate the developed technique and demonstrate its salient features. The predicted crack paths show good agreement with experimental observations and numerical simulations reported in the literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A modified scaled boundary finite element method for three‐dimensional dynamic soil‐structure interaction in layered soil

This paper is devoted to the analysis of elastodynamic problems in 3D‐layered systems which are unbounded in the horizontal direction. For this purpose, a finite element model of the near field is coupled to a scaled boundary finite element model (SBFEM) of the far field. The SBFEM is originally based on describing the geometry of a half‐space or full‐space domain by scaling the geometry of the near field / far field interface using a radial coordinate. A modified form of the SBFEM for waves in a 2D layer is also available. None of these existing formulations can be used to describe a 3D‐layered medium. In this paper, a modified SBFEM for the analysis of 3D‐layered continua is derived. Based on the use of a scaling line instead of a scaling centre, a suitable scaled boundary transformation is proposed. The derivation of the corresponding scaled boundary finite element (SBFE) equations in displacement and stiffness is presented in detail. The latter is a nonlinear differential equation with respect to the radial coordinate, which has to be solved numerically for each excitation frequency considered in the analysis. Various numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of the new method and its correct implementation. These include rigid circular and square foundations embedded in or resting on the surface of layered homogeneous or inhomogeneous 3D soil deposits over rigid bedrock. Hysteretic damping is assumed in some cases. The dynamic stiffness coefficients calculated using the proposed method are compared with analytical solutions or existing highly accurate numerical results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multinode finite element based on boundary integral equations

A finite element constructed on the basis of boundary integral equations is proposed. This element has a flexible shape and arbitrary number of nodes. It also has good approximation properties. A procedure of constructing an element stiffness matrix is demonstrated first for one-dimensional case and then for two-dimensional steady-state heat conduction problem. Numerical examples demonstrate applicability and advantages of the method. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.