The intrinsic partition of unity method

A method is presented which enables the global enrichment of the approximation space without introducing additional unknowns. Only one shape function per node is used. The shape functions are constructed by means of the moving least-squares method with an intrinsic basis vector and weight functions based on finite element shape functions. The enrichment is achieved through the intrinsic basis. By using polynomials in the intrinsic basis, optimal rates of convergence can be achieved even on distorted elements. Special enrichment functions can be chosen to enhance accuracy for solutions that are not polynomial in character. Results are presented which show optimal convergence on randomly distorted elements and improved accuracy for the oscillatory solution of the Helmholtz equation.     

A generalized finite element method with global-local enrichment functions for confined plasticity problems

The main feature of partition of unity methods such as the generalized or extended finite element method is their ability of utilizing a priori knowledge about the solution of a problem in the form of enrichment functions. However, analytical derivation of enrichment functions with good approximation properties is mostly limited to two-dimensional linear problems. This paper presents a procedure to numerically generate proper enrichment functions for three-dimensional problems with confined plasticity where plastic evolution is gradual. This procedure involves the solution of boundary value problems around local regions exhibiting nonlinear behavior and the enrichment of the global solution space with the local solutions through the partition of unity method framework. This approach can produce accurate nonlinear solutions with a reduced computational cost compared to standard finite element methods since computationally intensive nonlinear iterations can be performed on coarse global meshes after the creation of enrichment functions properly describing localized nonlinear behavior. Several three-dimensional nonlinear problems based on the rate-independent J ₂ plasticity theory with isotropic hardening are solved using the proposed procedure to demonstrate its robustness, accuracy and computational efficiency.     

Extended stochastic FEM for diffusion problems with uncertain material interfaces

This paper is concerned with the prediction of heat transfer in composite materials with uncertain inclusion geometry. To numerically solve the governing equation, which is defined on a random domain, an approach based on the combination of the Extended finite element method (X-FEM) and the spectral stochastic finite element method is studied. Two challenges of the extended stochastic finite element method (X-SFEM) are choosing an enrichment function and numerical integration over the probability domain. An enrichment function, which is based on knowledge of the interface location, captures the C ⁰-continuous solution in the spatial and probability domains without a conforming mesh. Standard enrichment functions and enrichment functions tailored to X-SFEM are analyzed and compared, and the basic elements of a successful enrichment function are identified. We introduce a partition approach for accurate integration over the probability domain. The X-FEM solution is studied as a function of the parameters describing the inclusion geometry and the different enrichment functions. The efficiency and accuracy of a spectral polynomial chaos expansion and a finite element approximation in the probability domain are compared. Numerical examples of a two-dimensional heat conduction problem with a random inclusion show the spectral PC approximation with a suitable choice of enrichment function is as accurate and more efficient than the finite element approach. Though focused on heat transfer in composite materials, the techniques and observations in this paper are also applicable to other types of problems with uncertain geometry.     

Meshfree point collocation method with intrinsic enrichment for interface problems

A meshfree collocation method with an intrinsic wedge enrichment is presented for solving interface problems. To approximate the class of functions with discontinuous derivatives on the interface, the wedge is asymptotically added to the basis functions. A general class of wedge basis functions with specified orders of asymptotic behavior at the interface is developed for moving least square approximations. These are implemented in diffuse derivative methods where the shape functions are approximately differentiated. The reproducing properties of these approximations for the polynomial part and for the wedge function along straight boundaries of the basis are demonstrated. For curved boundaries, the reproducing properties of the wedge functions are more restricted. Numerical results show the ease of constructing the intrinsic enrichment and the robustness of the numerical scheme in solving interface problems.     

The intrinsic XFEM: a method for arbitrary discontinuities without additional unknowns

A new method for treating arbitrary discontinuities in a finite element (FE) context is presented. Unlike the standard extended FE method (XFEM), no additional unknowns are introduced at the nodes whose supports are crossed by discontinuities. The method constructs an approximation space consisting of mesh‐based, enriched moving least‐squares (MLS) functions near discontinuities and standard FE shape functions elsewhere. There is only one shape function per node, and these functions are able to represent known characteristics of the solution such as discontinuities, singularities, etc. The MLS method constructs shape functions based on an intrinsic basis by minimizing a weighted error functional. Thereby, weight functions are involved, and special mesh‐based weight functions are proposed in this work. The enrichment is achieved through the intrinsic basis. The method is illustrated for linear elastic examples involving strong and weak discontinuities, and matches optimal rates of convergence even for crack‐tip applications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The extended finite element method (XFEM) for solidification problems

An enriched finite element method for the multi‐dimensional Stefan problems is presented. In this method the standard finite element basis is enriched with a discontinuity in the derivative of the temperature normal to the interface. The approximation can then represent the phase interface and the associated discontinuity in the temperature gradient within an element. The phase interface can be evolved without re‐meshing or the use of artificial heat capacity techniques. The interface is described by a level set function that is updated by a stabilized finite element scheme. Several examples are solved by the proposed method to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the method. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A NURBS‐based interface‐enriched generalized finite element method for problems with complex discontinuous gradient fields

A non‐uniform rational B‐splines (NURBS)‐based interface‐enriched generalized finite element method is introduced to solve problems with complex discontinuous gradient fields observed in the structural and thermal analysis of the heterogeneous materials. The presented method utilizes generalized degrees of freedom and enrichment functions based on NURBS to capture the solution with non‐conforming meshes. A consistent method for the generation and application of the NURBS‐based enrichment functions is introduced. These enrichment functions offer various advantages including simplicity of the integration, possibility of different modes of local solution refinement, and ease of implementation. In addition, we show that these functions well capture weak discontinuities associated with highly curved material interfaces. The convergence, accuracy, and stability of the method in the solution of two‐dimensional elasto‐static problems are compared with the standard finite element scheme, showing improved accuracy. Finally, the performance of the method for solving problems with complex internal geometry is highlighted through a numerical example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The local boundary integral equation (LBIE) and it's meshless implementation for linear elasticity

 The meshless method based on the local boundary integral equation (LBIE) is a promising method for solving boundary value problems, using an local unsymmetric weak form and shape functions from the moving least squares approximation. In the present paper, the meshless method based on the LBIE for solving problems in linear elasticity is developed and numerically implemented. The present method is a truly meshless method, as it does not need a “finite element mesh”, either for purposes of interpolation of the solution variables, or for the integration of the energy. All integrals in the formulation can be easily evaluated over regularly shaped domains (in general, spheres in three-dimensional problems) and their boundaries. The essential boundary conditions in the present formulation can be easily imposed even when the non-interpolative moving least squares approximation is used. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the implementation and performance of the present method. The numerical examples show that high rates of convergence with mesh refinement for the displacement and energy norms are achievable. No post-processing procedure is required to compute the strain and stress, since the original solution from the present method, using the moving least squares approximation, is already smooth enough.     

The meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach for solving problems in elasto-statics

 The meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach is an effective method for solving boundary value problems, using a local symmetric weak form and shape functions from the moving least squares approximation. In the present paper, the MLPG method for solving problems in elasto-statics is developed and numerically implemented. The present method is a truly meshless method, as it does not need a “finite element mesh”, either for purposes of interpolation of the solution variables, or for the integration of the energy. All integrals in the formulation can be easily evaluated over regularly shaped domains (in general, spheres in three-dimensional problems) and their boundaries. The essential boundary conditions in the present formulation are imposed by a penalty method, as the essential boundary conditions can not be enforced directly when the non-interpolative moving least squares approximation is used. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the implementation and performance of the present MLPG method. The numerical examples show that the present MLPG approach does not exhibit any volumetric locking for nearly incompressible materials, and that high rates of convergence with mesh refinement for the displacement and energy norms are achievable. No post-processing procedure is required to compute the strain and stress, since the original solution from the present method, using the moving least squares approximation, is already smooth enough.     

An interface‐enriched generalized FEM for problems with discontinuous gradient fields

A new generalized FEM is introduced for solving problems with discontinuous gradient fields. The method relies on enrichment functions associated with generalized degrees of freedom at the nodes generated from the intersection of the phase interface with element edges. The proposed approach has several advantages over conventional generalized FEM formulations, such as a lower computational cost, easier implementation, and straightforward handling of Dirichlet boundary conditions. A detailed convergence study of the proposed method and a comparison with the standard FEM are presented for heat transfer problems. The method achieves the optimal rate of convergence using meshes that do not conform to the interfaces present in the domain while achieving a level of accuracy comparable to that of the standard FEM with conforming meshes. Various application problems are presented, including the conjugate heat transfer problem encountered in microvascular materials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A stable extended FEM formulation for multi‐phase problems enforcing the accuracy of the fluxes through Lagrange multipliers

When applied to diffusion problems in a multi‐phase setup, the popular extended finite element method (XFEM) strategy suffers from an inaccurate representation of the local fluxes in the vicinity of the interface. The XFEM enrichment improves the global quality of the solution but it is not enforcing any local feature to the fluxes. Thus, the resulting numerical fluxes in the vicinity of the interface are not realistic, in particular when conductivity ratios between the different phases are very high. This paper introduces an additional restriction to the XFEM formulation aiming at properly reproducing the features of the local fluxes in the transition zone. This restriction is implemented through Lagrange multipliers, and the stability of the resulting mixed formulation is tested satisfactorily through the Chapelle–Bathe numerical procedure. Several examples are presented, and the solutions obtained show a spectacular improvement with respect to the standard XFEM. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Subdomain radial basis collocation method for fracture mechanics

The direct approximation of strong form using radial basis functions (RBFs), commonly called the radial basis collocation method (RBCM), has been recognized as an effective means for solving boundary value problems. Nevertheless, the non‐compactness of the RBFs precludes its application to problems with local features, such as fracture problems, among others. This work attempts to apply RBCM to fracture mechanics by introducing a domain decomposition technique with proper interface conditions. The proposed method allows (1) natural representation of discontinuity across the crack surfaces and (2) enrichment of crack‐tip solution in a local subdomain. With the proper domain decomposition and interface conditions, exponential convergence rate can be achieved while keeping the discrete system well‐conditioned. The analytical prediction and numerical results demonstrate that an optimal dimension of the near‐tip subdomain exists. The effectiveness of the proposed method is justified by the mathematical analysis and demonstrated by the numerical examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Essential boundary condition enforcement in meshless methods: boundary flux collocation method

Element‐free Galerkin (EFG) methods are based on a moving least‐squares (MLS) approximation, which has the property that shape functions do not satisfy the Kronecker delta function at nodal locations, and for this reason imposition of essential boundary conditions is difficult. In this paper, the relationship between corrected collocation and Lagrange multiplier method is revealed, and a new strategy that is accurate and very simple for enforcement of essential boundary conditions is presented. The accuracy and implementation of this new technique is illustrated for one‐dimensional elasticity and two‐dimensional potential field problems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Continuously deforming finite elements for the solution of parabolic problems,with and without phase change

A number of transport problems are complicated by the presence of physically important transition zones where quantities exhibit steep gradients and special numerical care is required. When the location of such a transition zone changes as the solution evolves through time, use of a deforming numerical mesh is appropriate in order to preserve the proper numerical features both within the transition zone and at its boundaries. A general finite element solution method is described wherein the elements are allowed to deform continuously, and the effects of this deformation are accounted for exactly. The method is based on the Galerkin approximation in space, and uses finite difference approximations for the time derivatives. In the absence of element deformation, the method reduces to the conventional Galerkin formulation. The method is applied to the two-phase Stefan problem associated with the melting and solidification of A substance. The interface between the solid and liquid phase form an internal moving boundary, and latent heat effects are accounted for in the associated boundary condition. By allowing continuous mesh deformation, as dictated by this boundary condition, the moving boundary always lies on element boundaries. This circumvents the difficulties inherent in interpolation of parameters and dependent variables across regions where those quantities change abruptly. Basis functions based on Hermite polynomials are used, to allow exact specification of the flux-latent heat balance condition at the phase boundary. Analytic solutions for special cases provide tests of the method.     

A hybrid finite difference and moving least square method for elasticity problems

In this paper, a novel hybrid finite difference and moving least square (MLS) technique is presented for the two-dimensional elasticity problems. A new approach for an indirect evaluation of second order and higher order derivatives of the MLS shape functions at field points is developed. As derivatives are obtained from a local approximation, the proposed method is computationally economical and efficient. The classical central finite difference formulas are used at domain collocation points with finite difference grids for regular boundaries and boundary conditions are represented using a moving least square approximation. For irregular shape problems, a point collocation method (PCM) is applied at points that are close to irregular boundaries. Neither the connectivity of mesh in the domain/boundary or integrations with fundamental/particular solutions is required in this approach. The application of the hybrid method to two-dimensional elastostatic and elastodynamic problems is presented and comparisons are made with the boundary element method and analytical solutions.     

A simple and efficient preconditioning scheme for heaviside enriched XFEM

The extended finite element method (XFEM) is an approach for solving problems with non-smooth solutions, which arise from geometric features such as cracks, holes, and material inclusions. In the XFEM, the approximate solution is locally enriched to capture the discontinuities without requiring a mesh which conforms to the geometric features. One drawback of the XFEM is that an ill-conditioned system of equations results when the ratio of volumes on either side of the interface in an element is small. Such interface configurations are often unavoidable, in particular for moving interface problems on fixed meshes. In general, the ill-conditioning reduces the performance of iterative linear solvers and impedes the convergence of solvers for nonlinear problems. This paper studies the XFEM with a Heaviside enrichment strategy for solving problems with stationary and moving material interfaces. A generalized formulation of the XFEM is combined with the level set method to implicitly define the embedded interface geometry. In order to avoid the ill-conditioning, a simple and efficient scheme based on a geometric preconditioner and constraining degrees of freedom to zero for small intersections is proposed. The geometric preconditioner is computed from the nodal basis functions, and therefore may be constructed prior to building the system of equations. This feature and the low-cost of constructing the preconditioning matrix makes it well suited for nonlinear problems with fixed and moving interfaces. It is shown by numerical examples that the proposed preconditioning scheme performs well for discontinuous problems and \(C^0\) -continuous problems with both the stabilized Lagrange and Nitsche methods for enforcing the continuity constraint at the interface. Numerical examples are presented which compare the condition number and solution error with and without the proposed preconditioning scheme. The results suggest that the proposed preconditioning scheme leads to condition numbers similar to that of a body-fitted mesh using the traditional finite element method without loss of solution accuracy.     

eXtended hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin for incompressible flow problems with unfitted meshes and interfaces

The eXtended hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (X-HDG) method is developed for the solution of Stokes problems with void or material interfaces. X-HDG is a novel method that combines the hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method with an eXtended finite element strategy, resulting in a high-order, unfitted, superconvergent method, with an explicit definition of the interface geometry by means of a level-set function. For elements not cut by the interface, the standard HDG formulation is applied, whereas a modified weak form for the local problem is proposed for cut elements. Heaviside enrichment is considered on cut faces and in cut elements in the case of bimaterial problems. Two-dimensional numerical examples demonstrate that the applicability, accuracy, and superconvergence properties of HDG are inherited in X-HDG, with the freedom of computational meshes that do not fit the interfaces     

Extended particle difference method for weak and strong discontinuity problems: part I. Derivation of the extended particle derivative approximation for the representation of weak and strong discontinuities

In this paper, the extended particle derivative approximation (EPDA) scheme is developed to solve weak and strong discontinuity problems. In this approximation scheme, the Taylor polynomial is extended with enrichment functions, i.e. the step function, the wedge function, and the scissors function, based on the moving least squares procedure in terms of nodal discretization. Throughout numerical examples, we demonstrate that the EPDA scheme reproduces weak and strong discontinuities in a singular solution quite well, and effectively copes with the difficulties in computing the derivatives of the singular solution. The governing partial differential equations, including the interface conditions, are directly discretized in terms of the EPDA scheme, and the total system of equations is derived from the formulation of difference equations which is constructed at the nodes and points representing the problem domain and the interfacial boundary, respectively.     

A corrected XFEM approximation without problems in blending elements

The extended finite element method (XFEM) enables local enrichments of approximation spaces. Standard finite elements are used in the major part of the domain and enriched elements are employed where special solution properties such as discontinuities and singularities shall be captured. In elements that blend the enriched areas with the rest of the domain problems arise in general. These blending elements often require a special treatment in order to avoid a decrease in the overall convergence rate. A modification of the XFEM approximation is proposed in this work. The enrichment functions are modified such that they are zero in the standard elements, unchanged in the elements with all their nodes being enriched, and varying continuously in the blending elements. All nodes in the blending elements are enriched. The modified enrichment function can be reproduced exactly everywhere in the domain and no problems arise in the blending elements. The corrected XFEM is applied to problems in linear elasticity and optimal convergence rates are achieved. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A partition of unity FEM for time‐dependent diffusion problems using multiple enrichment functions

An enriched partition of unity FEM is developed to solve time‐dependent diffusion problems. In the present formulation, multiple exponential functions describing the spatial and temporal diffusion decay are embedded in the finite element approximation space. The resulting enrichment is in the form of a local asymptotic expansion. Unlike previous works in this area where the enrichment must be updated at each time step, here, the temporal decay in the solution is embedded in the asymptotic expansion. Thus, the system matrix that is evaluated at the first time step may be decomposed and retained for every next time step by just updating the right‐hand side of the linear system of equations. The advantage is a significant saving in the computational effort where, previously, the linear system must be reevaluated and resolved at every time step. In comparison with the traditional finite element analysis with p‐version refinements, the present approach is much simpler, more efficient, and yields more accurate solutions for a prescribed number of DoFs. Numerical results are presented for a transient diffusion equation with known analytical solution. The performance of the method is analyzed on two applications: the transient heat equation with a single source and the transient heat equation with multiple sources. The aim of such a method compared with the classical FEM is to solve time‐dependent diffusion applications efficiently and with an appropriate level of accuracy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.