A robust non‐linear mixed hybrid quadrilateral shell element

In the paper a non‐linear quadrilateral shell element for the analysis of thin structures is presented. The variational formulation is based on a Hu–Washizu functional with independent displacement, stress and strain fields. The interpolation matrices for the mid‐surface displacements and rotations as well as for the stress resultants and strains are specified. Restrictions on the interpolation functions concerning fulfillment of the patch test and stability are derived. The developed mixed hybrid shell element possesses the correct rank and fulfills the in‐plane and bending patch test. Using Newton's method the finite element approximation of the stationary condition is iteratively solved. Our formulation can accommodate arbitrary non‐linear material models for finite deformations. In the examples we present results for isotropic plasticity at finite rotations and small strains as well as bifurcation problems and post‐buckling response. The essential feature of the new element is the robustness in the equilibrium iterations. It allows very large load steps in comparison to other element formulations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A mixed finite volume formulation for determining the small strain deformation of incompressible materials

A finite volume formulation for determining small strain deformations in incompressible materials is presented in detail. The formulation includes displacement and hydrostatic pressure variables. The displacement field varies linearly along and across each cell face. The hydrostatic pressure field associated with each face is uniform. The cells that discretize the structure are geometrically unrestricted, each cell can have an arbitrary number of faces. The formulation is tested on a number of linear elastic plane strain benchmark problems. This testing reveals that when meshes of multifaceted cells are employed to represent the structure then locking behaviour is exhibited, but when triangular cells are used then accurate predictions of the displacement and stress fields are produced. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

平面裂纹应力强度因子的半解析有限元法

利用弹性平面扇形域哈密顿体系的方程,通过分离变量法及共轭辛本征函数向量展开法,推导了一个圆形奇异解析单元列式,该单元能准确地描述平面裂纹尖端场。将该解析元与有限元相结合,构成半解析的有限元法,可求解任意几何形状和载荷的平面裂纹应力强度因子及扩展问题。对典型算例的计算结果表明本文方法简单有效,具有令人满意的精度。     

An assumed displacement hybrid finite element model for linear fracture mechanics

This paper deals with a procedure to calculate the elastic stress intensity factors for arbitrary-shaped cracks in plane stress and plane strain problems. An assumed displacement hybrid finite element model is employed wherein the unknowns in the final algebraic system of equations are the nodal displacements and the elastic stress intensity factors. Special elements, which contain proper singular displacement and stress fields, are used in a fixed region near the crack tip; and the interelement displacement compatibility is satisfied through the use of a Lagrangean multiplier technique. Numerical examples presented include: central as well as edge cracks in tension plates and a quarter-circular crack in a tension plate. Excellent correlations were obtained with available solutions in all the cases. A discussion on the convergence of the present solution is also included.     

A mixed shell formulation accounting for thickness strains and finite strain 3d material models

A non‐linear quadrilateral shell element for the analysis of thin structures is presented. The Reissner–Mindlin theory with inextensible director vector is used to develop a three‐field variational formulation with independent displacements, stress resultants and shell strains. The interpolation of the independent shell strains consists of two parts. The first part corresponds to the interpolation of the stress resultants. Within the second part independent thickness strains are considered. This allows incorporation of arbitrary non‐linear 3d constitutive equations without further modifications. The developed mixed hybrid shell element possesses the correct rank and fulfills the in‐plane and bending patch test. The essential feature of the new element is the robustness in the equilibrium iterations. It allows very large load steps in comparison with other element formulations. We present results for finite strain elasticity, inelasticity, bifurcation and post‐buckling problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topology optimization of acoustic–structure interaction problems using a mixed finite element formulation

The paper presents a gradient‐based topology optimization formulation that allows to solve acoustic–structure (vibro‐acoustic) interaction problems without explicit boundary interface representation. In acoustic–structure interaction problems, the pressure and displacement fields are governed by Helmholtz equation and the elasticity equation, respectively. Normally, the two separate fields are coupled by surface‐coupling integrals, however, such a formulation does not allow for free material re‐distribution in connection with topology optimization schemes since the boundaries are not explicitly given during the optimization process. In this paper we circumvent the explicit boundary representation by using a mixed finite element formulation with displacements and pressure as primary variables (a u /p‐formulation). The Helmholtz equation is obtained as a special case of the mixed formulation for the elastic shear modulus equating to zero. Hence, by spatial variation of the mass density, shear and bulk moduli we are able to solve the coupled problem by the mixed formulation. Using this modelling approach, the topology optimization procedure is simply implemented as a standard density approach. Several two‐dimensional acoustic–structure problems are optimized in order to verify the proposed method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A nonlinear finite elment eigenanalysis of singular stress fields in bimaterial wedges for plane strain

A displacement-based finite element formulation for the analysis of singular stress fields in power law hardening materials under conditions of plane strain is presented. The displacement field within a sectorial element is quadratic in the angular coordinate and of the power type in the radial direction as measured from the singular point. A hydrostatic pressure variable, which is linear in the angular coordinate, is introduced to account for the incompressibility of the material. The Newton method is combined with matrix singular value decomposition to iteratively solve the resulting nonlinear homogeneous eigenvalue problem where the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are obtained simultaneously. The examples considered include the single material wedge, the bimaterial interface crack and the bimaterial wedge. In particular, the case of a single material wedge bonded to a rigid material along one edge is examined to study the possibility of the existence of mixed mode solutions for arbitrary wedge angles, including the important case of an interface crack when the wedge angle is 180 . This behavior is distinctly different from that of plane stress where a complex singularity is obtained. The possibility of the existence of nonseparable solutions is also discussed.     

Analytical solution for functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic plane beams

This paper investigates the plane stress problem of generally anisotropic magneto-electro-elastic beams with the coefficients of elastic compliance, piezoelectricity, dielectric impermeability, piezomagnetism, magnetoelectricity, and magnetic permeability being arbitrary functions of the thickness coordinate. Firstly, partial differential equations governing stress function, electric displacement function and magnetic induction function are derived for plane problems of anisotropic functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic materials. Secondly, these functions are assumed in forms of polynomials in the longitudinal coordinate and can be acquired through a successive integral approach. The analytical expressions of axial force, bending moment, shear force, average electric displacement, average magnetic induction, displacements, electric potential and magnetic potential are then deduced. Thirdly, problems of functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic plane beams are considered, with integral constants being completely determinable from boundary conditions. A series of analytical solutions are thus obtained, including the solutions for beams under tension and pure bending, for cantilever beams subjected to shear force applied at the free end, and for cantilever beams subjected to uniform load. These solutions can be easily degenerated into the solutions for homogenous anisotropic magneto-electro-elastic beams. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the application of the proposed method.     

Topology design with optimized,self-adaptive materials

Significant performance improvements can be obtained if the topology of an elastic structure is allowed to vary in shape optimization problems. We study the optimal shape design of a two-dimensional elastic continuum for minimum compliance subject to a constraint on the total volume of material. The macroscopic version of this problem is not well-posed if no restrictions are placed on the structure topoiogy; relaxation of the optimization problem via quasiconvexification or homogenization methods is required. The effect of relaxation is to introduce a perforated microstructure that must be optimized simultaneously with the macroscopic distribution of material. A combined analytical-computational approach is proposed to solve the relaxed optimization problem. Both stress and displacement analysis methods are presented. Since rank-2 layered composites are known to achieve optimal energy bounds, we restrict the design space to this class of microstructures whose effective properties can easily be determined in explicit form. We develop a series of reduced problems by sequentially interchanging extremization operators and analytically optimizing the microstructural design fields. This results in optimization problems involving the distribution of an adaptive material that continuously optimizes its microstructure in response to the current state of stress or strain. A further reduced problem, involving only the response field, can be obtained in the stress-based approach, but the requisite interchange of extremization operators is not valid in the case of the displacement-based model. Finite element optimization procedures based on the reduced displacement formulation are developed and numerical solutions are presented. Care must be taken in selecting the discrete function spaces for the design density and displacement response, since the reduced problem is a two-field, mixed variational problem. An improper choice for the solution space leads to instabilities in the optimal design similar to those encountered in mixed formulations of the Stokes problem.     

Numerical technique for solving truss and plane problems for a new class of elastic bodies

It is customary to use a displacement-based formulation to seek solutions to boundary value problemsfor its computational efficacy. In displacement-based formulations, it is convenient to prescribe the constitutiverelation for stress as an explicit function of displacement gradient. However, from a general theoretical pointof view, the stress and displacement gradient could be related by an implicit function. This study developstechniques to solve boundary value problems when linearized strain and stress are related by an implicitfunction. Here both the stresses and the displacement are taken as unknowns. The stress field is constructed suchthat it satisfies the equilibrium equations identically within the element and the traction continuity requirementsbetween the elements. A continuously differentiable displacement field is constructed, and the linearized strainis computed from this displacement field. Then, the unknown parameters in the stress and displacement fieldare estimated such that the constitutive relation holds in weak integral sense. Though in this procedure thenumber of unknowns has increased in comparison with the displacement formulation, both the strength andserviceability condition can be checked directly without any post-processing. Also, in this procedure, both theequilibrium equations and continuity of displacement are met exactly. The equation that is not satisfied exactlyis the constitutive relation, which is an approximation anyway. The efficacy and accuracy of this method arebenchmarked by studying some standard problems. Planar and three-dimensional truss elements have beendeveloped and benchmarked. Then, a rectangular plane element is implemented and its performance recorded.     

Mixed Formulation Solution and Optical Based Experimental Methods in the Deformation Analysis of Radially Loaded Cylindrical Shells

Abstract: A mixed formulation in the characterization of internal forces and displacements in cylindrical shells, subjected to radial forces is presented. This numerical approach is proposed as an alternative to the irreducible formulation, where in some problems this solution leads to stress distribution presenting some discontinuity along the edge joining shell modules with different geometry as, for example, curved pipes with tangent terminations. The mixed formulation here proposed prescribes the continuity in the stress field at shell adjacent sections, while practically ensures similar accuracy in the displacement and stress fields. The force and displacement formulations are carried out by combining unknown analytic functions with trigonometric expansions. The solution can be applied to recurrent problems in piping design as is the case of edge forces and radial loads. Examples considering these external parameters are developed and results are compared with an experimental method based on optical interferometric techniques. These procedures were applied with video recording of the interferometric pattern and allow the displacement field assessment with a non‐contact procedure.     

Application of finite-part integrals to three-dimensional fracture problems for piezoelectric media Part II: Numerical analysis

In this paper, elliptical cracks and rectangular cracks embedded in a three-dimensional infinite transversely isotropic piezoelectric solid are analyzed under combined mechanical tension and electric fields. The hypersingular integral equation method is used to solve the mentioned problems. The unknown function in the hypersingular integral equations is approximated with a product of the fundamental density function and polynomials. The hypersingular integrals can be numerically evaluated by using a method of Taylor series expansion. Therefore, the hypersingular integral equations for the crack problems can be solved immediately. Finally, numerical examples of the stress and electric displacement intensity factors as well as the energy release rates for these crack configurations are presented. The numerical results demonstrate the present approach to be very efficient.     

Stress intensity factors for cracks of arbitrary shape near an interfacial boundary

Modes I, II and III stress intensity factors for a crack of arbitrary planar shape near a bimaterial interface are calculated. The solution utilizes the body-force method and requires Green's functions for perfectly bonded elastic half-spaces. The formulation leads to a system of two-dimensional singular integral equations whose solutions represent the three modes of crack opening displacement. Numerical examples of a semicircular or semielliptical crack terminating at the interface and circular or elliptical cracks contained in one material are given for both internal pressure and farfield tension.     

A systematic construction of B‐bar functions for linear and non‐linear mixed‐enhanced finite elements for plane elasticity problems

In a previous paper a modified Hu–Washizu variational formulation has been used to derive an accurate four node plane strain/stress finite element denoted QE2. For the mixed element QE2 two enhanced strain terms are used and the assumed stresses satisfy the equilibrium equations a priori for the linear elastic case. In this paper an alternative approach is discussed. The new formulation leads to the same accuracy for linear elastic problems as the QE2 element; however it turns out to be more efficient in numerical simulations, especially for large deformation problems. Using orthogonal stress and strain functions we derive B̄ functions which avoid numerical inversion of matrices. The B̄ ‐strain matrix is sparse and has the same structure as the strain matrix B obtained from a compatible displacement field. The implementation of the derived mixed element is basically the same as the one for a compatible displacement element. The only difference is that we have to compute a B̄ ‐strain matrix instead of the standard B ‐matrix. Accordingly, existing subroutines for a compatible displacement element can be easily changed to obtain the mixed‐enhanced finite element which yields a higher accuracy than the Q4 and QM6 elements. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A mixed finite element for the nonlinear analysis of in-plane loaded masonry walls

A mixed membrane eight-node quadrilateral finite element for the analysis of masonry walls is presented. Assuming that a nonlinear and history-dependent 2D stress-strain constitutive law is used to model masonry material, the element derivation is based on a Hu-Washizu variational statement, involving displacement, strain, and stress fields as primary variables. As the behavior of masonry structures is often characterized by strain localization phenomena, due to strain softening at material level, a discontinuous, piecewise constant interpolation of the strain field is considered at element level, to capture highly nonlinear strain spatial distributions also within finite elements. Newton's method of solution is adopted for the element state determination problem. For avoiding pathological sensitivity to the finite element mesh, a novel algorithm is proposed to perform an integral-type nonlocal regularization of the constitutive equations in the present mixed formulation. By the comparison with competing serendipity displacement-based formulation, numerical simulations prove high performances of the proposed finite element, especially when coarse meshes are adopted.     

无域积分的弹塑性边界元法的非线性互补方法

该文引入非线性互补方法来求解边界元法的弹塑性问题,其中方程组由内部点应力方程和反映塑性本构定律的互补函数形成。涉及的域积分采用径向积分法转化为边界积分。通过受内压的厚壁圆筒的应力、位移和荷载-位移情况表明了该算法的精度。     

A meshfree‐enriched finite element method for compressible and near‐incompressible elasticity

In this paper, a two‐dimensional displacement‐based meshfree‐enriched FEM (ME‐FEM) is presented for the linear analysis of compressible and near‐incompressible planar elasticity. The ME‐FEM element is established by injecting a first‐order convex meshfree approximation into a low‐order finite element with an additional node. The convex meshfree approximation is constructed using the generalized meshfree approximation method and it possesses the Kronecker‐delta property on the element boundaries. The gradient matrix of ME‐FEM element satisfies the integration constraint for nodal integration and the resultant ME‐FEM formulation is shown to pass the constant stress test for the compressible media. The ME‐FEM interpolation is an element‐wise meshfree interpolation and is proven to be discrete divergence‐free in the incompressible limit. To prevent possible pressure oscillation in the near‐incompressible problems, an area‐weighted strain smoothing scheme incorporated with the divergence‐free ME‐FEM interpolation is introduced to provide the smoothing on strains and pressure. With this smoothed strain field, the discrete equations are derived based on a modified Hu–Washizu variational principle. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for the compressible and near‐incompressible problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modeling of creep and creep damage in thin plates of arbitrary shape from materials with different behavior in tension and compression under plane stress conditions

A constitutive model for describing the creep and creep damage in initially isotropic materials with characteristics dependent on the loading type, such as tension, compression and shear, has been applied to the numerical modeling of creep deformation and creep damage growth in thin plates under plane stress conditions. The variational approach of establishing the basic equations of the plane stress problem under consideration has been introduced. For the solution of two‐dimensional creep problems, the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta–Merson's method of time integration, combined with the Ritz method and R‐functions theory, has been used. Numerical solutions to various problems have been obtained, and the processes of creep deformation and creep damage growth in thin plates of arbitrary shape have been investigated. The influence of tension–compression asymmetry on the stress–strain state and damage evolution, with time, in thin plates of arbitrary shape, has been discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Incompressible and locking-free finite elements from Rayleigh mode vectors: quadratic polynomial displacement fields

Under pure bending, with an arbitrary patch of plane four-node finite elements, the exact analytical algebraic expressions of deformation, strain and stress fields are numerically captured by a computer algebra program for both compressible and incompressible continua. Linear combinations of Rayleigh displacement vectors yield the Ritz test functions. These coupled fields model pure bending of an Euler-Bernoulli beam with appropriate linearly varying axial strains devoid of shear. Such Courant admissible functions allow an undeformed straight side to curve in flexure. Since these displacement vectors satisfy equilibrium conditions, they are necessarily functions of the Poisson’s ratio. Applications in bio-, micro- and nano-mechanics motivated this formulation that blurs the frontier between the finite and the boundary element methods. Exact integration yields the element stiffness matrix of a compressible convex or concave quadrilateral, or a triangular element with a side node. For the generic energy density integral, the paper furnishes an analytical expression that can be incorporated in Fortran or C ⁺⁺. In isochoric plane strain problems, the Rayleigh kinematic mode of dilatation is replaced by a constant element pressure. The equivalent nodal loadings are calculated according to the Ritz variational statement. Subsequently, without assembling the global stiffness matrix, nodal compatibility and equilibrium equations are solved in terms of Rayleigh modal participation factors.