Error estimation and adaptive procedures based on superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) techniques

Summary  The paper discusses error estimation and adaptive finite element procedures for elasto-static and dynamic problems based on superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) techniques. The SPR is a postprocessing procedure to obtain improved finite element solutions by the least squares fitting of superconvergent stresses at certain sampling points in local patches. An enhancement of the original SPR by accounting for the equilibirum equations and boundary conditions is proposed. This enhancement improves the quality of postprocessed solutions considerably and thus provides an even more effective error estimate. The patch configuration of SPR can be either the union of elements surrounding a vertex node, thenode patch, or, the union of elements surrounding an element, theelement patch. It is shown that these two choices give normally comparable quality of postprocessed solutions. The paper is also concerned with the application of SPR techniques to a wide range of problems. The plate bending problem posted in mixed form where force and displacement variables are simultaneously used as unknowns is considered. For eigenvalue problems, a procedure of improving eigenpairs and error estimation of the eigenfrequency is presented. A postprocessed type of error estimate and an adaptive procedure for the semidiscrete finite element method are discussed. It is shown that the procedure is able to update the spatial mesh and the time step size so that both spatial and time discretization errors are controlled within specified tolerances. A discontinuous Galerkin method for solving structural dynamics is also presented.     

Local and global error estimations in linear structural dynamics

The study discusses the concept of error estimation in linear elastodynamics. Two different types of error estimators are presented. First ‘classical’ methods based on post-processing techniques are discussed starting from a semidiscrete formulation. The temporal error due to the finite difference discretization is measured independently of the spatial error of the finite element discretization. The temporal error estimators are applied within one time step and the spatial error estimators at a time point. The error is measured in the global energy norm. The temporal evolution of the error cannot be reflected. Furthermore the estimators can only evaluate the mean error of the whole spatial domain. As the second scheme local error estimators are presented. These estimators are designed to evaluate the error of local variables in a certain region by applying duality techniques. Local estimators are known from linear elastostatics and have later on been extended to nonlinear problems. The corresponding dual problem represents the influence of the local variable on the initial problem and may be related to the reciprocal theorem of Betti–Maxwell. In the present study this concept is transferred to linear structural dynamics. Because the dual problem is established over the total space–time domain, the spatial and temporal error of all time steps can be accumulated within one procedure. In this study the space–time finite element method is introduced as a single field formulation.     

An automated approach for parallel adjoint-based error estimation and mesh adaptation

In finite element simulations, not all of the data are of equal importance. In fact, the primary purpose of a numerical study is often to accurately assess only one or two engineering output quantities that can be expressed as functionals. Adjoint-based error estimation provides a means to approximate the discretization error in functional quantities and mesh adaptation provides the ability to control this discretization error by locally modifying the finite element mesh. In the past, adjoint-based error estimation has only been accessible to expert practitioners in the field of solid mechanics. In this work, we present an approach to automate the process of adjoint-based error estimation and mesh adaptation on parallel machines. This process is intended to lower the barrier of entry to adjoint-based error estimation and mesh adaptation for solid mechanics practitioners. We demonstrate that this approach is effective for example problems in Poisson’s equation, nonlinear elasticity, and thermomechanical elastoplasticity.

     

Refinement of flexible space–time finite element meshes and discontinuous Galerkin methods

In this paper we present an algorithm to refine space–time finite element meshes as needed for the numerical solution of parabolic initial boundary value problems. The approach is based on a decomposition of the space–time cylinder into finite elements, which also allows a rather general and flexible discretization in time. This also includes adaptive finite element meshes which move in time. For the handling of three-dimensional spatial domains, and therefore of a four-dimensional space–time cylinder, we describe a refinement strategy to decompose pentatopes into smaller ones. For the discretization of the initial boundary value problem we use an interior penalty Galerkin approach in space, and an upwind technique in time. A numerical example for the transient heat equation confirms the order of convergence as expected from the theory. First numerical results for the transient Navier–Stokes equations and for an adaptive mesh moving in time underline the applicability and flexibility of the presented approach.     

A Posteriori Estimates for a Natural Neumann–Neumann Domain Decomposition Algorithm on a Unilateral Contact Problem

In this paper we present an error estimator for unilateral contact problems solved by a Neumann–Neumann Domain Decomposition algorithm. This error estimator takes into account both the spatial error due to the finite element discretization and the algebraic error due to the domain decomposition algorithm. To differentiate specifically the contribution of these two error sources to the global error, two quantities are introduced: a discretization error indicator and an algebraic error indicator. The effectivity indices and the convergence of both the global error estimator and the error indicators are shown on several examples.     

The adaptive finite element method based on multi-scale discretizations for eigenvalue problems

In this paper, adaptive finite element methods for differential operator eigenvalue problems are discussed. For multi-scale discretization schemes based on Rayleigh quotient iteration (see Scheme 3 in [Y. Yang, H. Bi, A two-grid discretization scheme based on shifted-inverse power method, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 49 (2011) 1602–1624]), a reliable and efficient a posteriori error indicator is given, in addition, a new adaptive algorithm based on the multi-scale discretizations is proposed, and we apply the algorithm to the Schrödinger equation for hydrogen atoms. The algorithm is performed under the package of Chen, and satisfactory numerical results are obtained.     

Adaptive finite element heterogeneous multiscale method for homogenization problems

In this paper we present an a posteriori error analysis for elliptic homogenization problems discretized by the finite element heterogeneous multiscale method. Unlike standard finite element methods, our discretization scheme relies on macro- and microfinite elements. The desired macroscopic solution is obtained by a suitable averaging procedure based on microscopic data. As the macroscopic data (such as the macroscopic diffusion tensor) are not available beforehand, appropriate error indicators have to be defined for designing adaptive methods. We show that such indicators based only on the available macro- and microsolutions (used to compute the actual macrosolution) can be defined, allowing for a macroscopic mesh refinement strategy which is both reliable and efficient. The corresponding a posteriori estimates for the upper and lower bound are derived in the energy norm. In the case of a uniformly oscillating tensor, we recover the standard residual-based a posteriori error estimate for the finite element method applied to the homogenized problem. Numerical experiments confirm the efficiency and reliability of the adaptive multiscale method.     

Mesh generation and mesh refinement procedures for the analysis of concrete shells

In this paper, a mesh generation and mesh refinement procedure for adaptive finite element (FE) analyses of real-life surface structures are proposed. For mesh generation, the advancing front method is employed. FE meshes of curved structures are generated in the respective 2D parametric space of the structure. Thereafter, the 2D mesh is mapped onto the middle surface of the structure. For mesh refinement, two different modes, namely uniform and adaptive mesh refinement, are considered. Remeshing in the context of adaptive mesh refinement is controlled by the spatial distribution of the estimated error of the FE results. Depending on this distribution, remeshing may result in a partial increase and decrease, respectively, of the element size. In contrast to adaptive mesh refinement, uniform mesh refinement is characterized by a reduction of the element size in the entire domain. The different refinement strategies are applied to ultimate load analysis of a retrofitted cooling tower. The influence of the underlying FE discretization on the numerical results is investigated.     

Analysis of shell structures under transient loading using adaptivity in time and space

The adaptive analysis of structures under transient loading leads to the question, which time integration scheme, finite elements or finite differences, is most favorably combined with an adaptive spatial FE discretization. In order to judge this, the properties of different discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and the standard Newmark method are investigated first, also concerning efficiency. In particular, the damping and dispersion effects are discussed in detail for various types of problems. It must be noted that the type of problem has to be carefully checked in order to apply the most appropriate and efficient time integration scheme. It is shown that e.g. for the wave propagation problems the DG method with linear approximations (DG P1-P1) has to be favored when adaptivity in space is applied. Finally, an adaptive time step modification scheme is presented and applied to various problems.     

On an h-type mesh-refinement strategy based on minimization of interpolation errors

An adaptive finite element method is proposed which involves an automatic mesh refinement in areas of the mesh where local errors are determined to exceed a pre-assigned limit. The estimation of local errors is based on interpolation error bounds and extraction formulas for highly accurate estimates of second derivatives. Applications to several two-dimensional model problems are discussed. The results indicate that the method can be very effective for both regular problems and problems with strong singularities.     

On error estimates of the fully discrete penalty method for the viscoelastic flow problem

In this paper, a fully discrete finite element penalty method is presented for the two-dimensional viscoelastic flow problem arising in the Oldroyd model, in which the spatial discretization is based on the finite element approximation and the time discretization is based on the backward Euler scheme. Moreover, we provide the optimal error estimate for the numerical solution under some realistic assumptions. Finally, some numerical experiments are shown to illustrate the efficiency of the penalty method.     

Finite difference and finite element methods

The relationships between and relative advantages of finite difference and finite element methods are discussed. The less familiar finite element methods are described first for equilibrium problems: it is shown how quadratic elements on right triangles lead to natural generalisations of the powerful, fourth order accurate nine-point difference scheme for the Laplacian. For evolutionary problems, the recent development of more accurate difference methods is considered together with that of Galerkin methods. It is shown how conservation properties are best preserved by the latter methods and, in particular, how the supression of non-linear instabilities in the advection equation is achieved by the Arakawa schemes. Finally, an error analysis is described which is applicable to both finite difference and finite element methods.     

Gauss–Newton Multilevel Methods for Least-Squares Finite Element Computations of Variably Saturated Subsurface Flow

We apply the least-squares mixed finite element framework to the nonlinear elliptic problems arising in each time-step of an implicit Euler discretization for variably saturated flow. This approach allows the combination of standard piecewise linear H ¹-conforming finite elements for the hydraulic potential with the H(div)-conforming Raviart–Thomas spaces for the flux. It also provides an a posteriori error estimator which may be used in an adaptive mesh refinement strategy. The resulting nonlinear algebraic least-squares problems are solved by an inexact Gauss–Newton method using a stopping criterion for the inner iteration which is based on the change of the linearized least-squares functional relative to the nonlinear least-squares functional. The inner iteration is carried out using an adaptive multilevel method with a block Gauss–Seidel smoothing iteration. For a realistic water table recharge problem, the results of computational experiments are presented. Received January 4, 1999; revised July 19, 1999     

Adaptive FE-procedures in shape optimization

In structural optimization the quality of the optimization result strongly depends on the reliability of the underlying structural analysis. This comprises the quality and range of the mechanical model, e.g. linear elastic or geometrically and materially nonlinear, as well as the accuracy of the numerical model, e.g. the discretization error of the FE-model. The latter aspect is addressed in the present contribution. In order to guarantee the quality of the numerical results the discretization error of the finite element solution is controlled and the finite element discretization is adaptively refined during the optimization process. Conventionally, so-called global error estimates are applied in structural optimization which estimate the error of the total strain energy. In the present paper local error estimates are introduced in shape optimization which allow to control directly the discretization error of local optimization criteria. In general, the adaptive refinement of the finite element discretization by remeshing affects the convergence of the optimization process if a gradient-based optimization algorithm is applied. In order to reduce this effect the sensitivity of the discretization error must also be restricted. Suitable refinement indicators are developed for globally and locally adaptive procedures. Finally, the potential of two techniques, which may improve the numerical efficiency of adaptive FE-procedures within the optimization process, is studied. The proposed methods and procedures are verified by 2-D shape optimization examples. Received June 3, 1999     

Single scale wavelet approximations in layout optimization

The standard structural layout optimization problem in 2D elasticity is solved using a wavelet based discretization of the displacement field and of the spatial distribution of material. A fictitious domain approach is used to embed the original design domain within a simpler domain of regular geometry. A Galerkin method is used to derive discretized equations, which are solved iteratively using a preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm. A special preconditioner is derived for this purpose. The method is shown to converge at rates that are essentially independent of discretization size, an advantage over standard finite element methods, whose convergence rate decays as the mesh is refined. This new approach may replace finite element methods in very large scale problems, where a very fine resolution of the shape is needed. The derivation and examples focus on 2D-problems but extensions to 3D should involve only few changes in the essential features of the procedure.     

Automated adaptive 3D forming simulation processes

In this study, an automated adaptive mesh control scheme, based on local mesh modifications, is developed for the finite element simulations of 3D metal-forming processes. Error indicators are used to control the mesh discretization errors, and an h-adaptive procedure is conducted. The mesh size field used in the h-adaptive procedure is processed to control the discretization and geometric approximation errors of the evolving workpiece mesh. Industrial problems are investigated to demonstrate the capabilities of the developed scheme.     

Adaptive multiple-levelh-refinement in automated finite element analyses

This paper discusses an automatic, adaptive finite element modeling system consisting of mesh generation, finite element analysis, and error estimation. The individual components interact with one another and efficiently reduce the finite element error to within an acceptable value and perform only a minimum number of finite element analyses.One of the necessary components in the automated system is a multiple-level local remeshing algorithm. Givenh-refinement information provided by an a posteriori error estimator, and adjacency information available in the mesh data structures, the local remeshing algorithm grades the refinement toward areas requesting refinement. It is shown that the optimal asymptotic convergence rate is achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the intelligent multiple-level localh-refinement.     

Early‐ and late‐lumping observer designs for long hydraulic pipelines: Application to pumped‐storage power plants

Pumped‐storage power plants typically feature very long hydraulic pipelines, which can be modeled by a set of partial differential equations. The estimation of the pressure and volumetric flow along the pipes is an important task for the operation of such a plant. Therefore, this work compares different early‐ and late‐lumping–based observer designs for this system. Two late‐lumping observers, ie, a Lyapunov‐based design and an observer using the backstepping design method, are examined. The Lyapunov‐based approach uses a simple boundary correction to stabilize the estimation error dynamics. In contrast, the backstepping‐based approach allows utilizing additional in‐domain correction to obtain a faster rate of convergence. For the implementation of these distributed‐parameter observers, the spectral element method as a flexible and computationally efficient discretization method is introduced. It is shown that, compared with that of the Lyapunov‐based design, the discretization of the backstepping‐based design requires additional spatial grid points for the accurate approximation of its feedback gains. For the early‐lumping approach, the spectral element method is used to approximate the model equations by a system of differential equations. Based on this approximation, an extended Kalman filter is designed. All observer designs are validated and compared for a representative test case.     

An Adaptive Finite Element Method for the Wave Scattering with Transparent Boundary Condition

Consider the acoustic wave scattering by an impenetrable obstacle in two dimensions. The model is formulated as a boundary value problem for the Helmholtz equation with a transparent boundary condition. Based on a duality argument technique, an a posteriori error estimate is derived for the finite element method with the truncated Dirichlet-to-Neumann boundary operator. The a posteriori error estimate consists of the finite element approximation error and the truncation error of boundary operator which decays exponentially with respect to the truncation parameter. A new adaptive finite element algorithm is proposed for solving the acoustic obstacle scattering problem, where the truncation parameter is determined through the truncation error and the mesh elements for local refinements are marked through the finite element discretization error. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the competitive behavior of the proposed adaptive method.     

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.