Inelastic analysis of granular interfaces via computational contact homogenization

The macroscale response of granular contact interfaces is investigated. In order to circumvent the difficulties associated with a direct resolution of such heterogeneous contact problems, where highly mobile particles residing between a deformable body and a rigid surface govern the microscale dynamics, a space–time contact homogenization methodology is developed. The overall approach is based on a separation of spatial as well as temporal scales and proposes an idealized purely frictional macroscale response. The induced macroscale dissipation is directly associated with the microscale dissipation mechanisms due to (i) an inelastic constitutive response for the boundary layer of the deformable body and (ii) frictional interaction among the components of the three‐body contact system. The consequences of a viscoelastic boundary layer that sustains damage due to highly localized deformation in the vicinity of the particles are investigated extensively within a fully nonlinear computational setting that accounts for incompressibility. The effective coefficient of friction that is induced by the homogenization methodology as the fundamental macroscale observable is found to be of a non‐Amontons as well as a non‐Coulomb type. The proposed analysis framework is amenable to a multiscale implementation within a coupled micro–macro approach and yields insight into the macroscopic dynamics of similar heterogeneous interfaces with varying degrees of mobility associated with the roughness features. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Many-scale finite strain computational homogenization via Concentric Interpolation

A method for efficient computational homogenization of hyperelastic materials under finite strains is proposed. Multiple spatial scales are homogenized in a recursive procedure: starting on the smallest scale, few high fidelity FE computations are performed. The resulting fields of deformation gradient fluctuations are processed by a snapshot POD resulting in a reduced basis (RB) model. By means of the computationally efficient RB model, a large set of samples of the homogenized material response is created. This data set serves as the support for the Concentric Interpolation (CI) scheme, interpolating the effective stress and stiffness. Then, the same procedure is invoked on the next larger scale with this CI surrogating the homogenized material law. A three-scale homogenization process is completed within few hours on a standard workstation. The resulting model is evaluated within minutes on a laptop computer in order to generate fourth-scale results. Open source code is provided.     

Multiscale thermomechanical contact: Computational homogenization with isogeometric analysis

A computational homogenization framework is developed in the context of the thermomechanical contact of two boundary layers with microscopically rough surfaces. The major goal is to accurately capture the temperature jump across the macroscopic interface in the finite deformation regime with finite deviations from the equilibrium temperature. Motivated by the limit of scale separation, a two‐phase thermomechanically decoupled methodology is introduced, wherein a purely mechanical contact problem is followed by a purely thermal one. In order to correctly take into account finite size effects that are inherent to the problem, this algorithmically consistent two‐phase framework is cast within a self‐consistent iterative scheme that acts as a first‐order corrector. For a comparison with alternative coupled homogenization frameworks as well as for numerical validation, a mortar‐based thermomechanical contact algorithm is introduced. This algorithm is uniformly applicable to all orders of isogeometric discretizations through non‐uniform rational B‐spline basis functions. Overall, the two‐phase approach combined with the mortar contact algorithm delivers a computational framework of optimal efficiency that can accurately represent the geometry of smooth surface textures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new computational approach to contact mechanics using variable‐node finite elements

In this paper, a new computational strategy for two‐dimensional contact problems is developed with the aid of variable‐node finite elements within the range of infinitesimal deformations. The variable‐node elements, which are among MLS (moving least square)‐based finite elements, enable us to transform node‐to‐surface contact problems into node‐to‐node contact problems. This contact formulation with variable‐node elements leads to an accurate and effective solution procedure, needless to mention that the contact patch test is passed without any additional treatment. Through several numerical examples, we demonstrate its simplicity and the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A framework for implementation of RVE‐based multiscale models in computational homogenization using isogeometric analysis

This study presents an isogeometric framework for incorporating representative volume element–based multiscale models into computational homogenization. First‐order finite deformation homogenization theory is derived within the framework of the method of multiscale virtual power, and Lagrange multipliers are used to illustrate the effects of considering different kinematical constraints. Using a Lagrange multiplier approach in the numerical implementation of the discrete system naturally leads to a consolidated treatment of the commonly employed representative volume element boundary conditions. Implementation of finite deformation computational strain‐driven, stress‐driven, and mixed homogenization is detailed in the context of isogeometric analysis (IGA), and performance is compared to standard finite element analysis. As finite deformations are considered, a numerical multiscale stability analysis procedure is also detailed for use with IGA. Unique implementation aspects that arise when computational homogenization is performed using IGA are discussed, and the developed framework is applied to a complex curved microstructure representing an architectured material.     

A three‐dimensional surface stress tensor formulation for simulation of adhesive contact in finite deformation

A three‐dimensional surface adhesive contact formulation is proposed to simulate macroscale adhesive contact interaction characterized by the van der Waals interaction between arbitrarily shaped deformable continua under finite deformation. The proposed adhesive contact formulation uses a double‐layer surface integral to replace the conventional double volume integration to compute the adhesive contact force vector. Considering nonlinear finite deformation, we have derived the surface stress tensor and the corresponding tangent stiffness matrix in a Galerkin weak formulation. With the surface stress formulation, the adhesive contact problems are solved in the framework of nonlinear continuum mechanics by using the standard Lagrange finite element method. Surface stress tensors are formulated for both interacting bodies. Numerical examples show that the proposed surface contact algorithm is accurate, efficient, and reliable for three‐dimensional adhesive contact problems of large deformations for both quasi‐static and dynamic simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mathematical framework for unsaturated flow in the finite deformation range

The presence of fluid in the pores of a solid imposes a volume constraint on the deformation of the solid. Finite changes in the pore volume alter the degree of saturation of a porous material, impacting its fluid flow and water retention properties. This intricate interdependence between the hydromechanical properties related to solid deformation and fluid flow is amplified when the deformation of the solid matrix is large. In this paper, we present a mathematical framework for coupled solid‐deformation/fluid‐diffusion in unsaturated porous material considering geometric nonlinearity in the solid matrix. The framework relies on the continuum principle of thermodynamics to identify an effective or constitutive stress for the solid matrix, and a water‐retention law that highlights the interdependence of the degree of saturation, suction, and porosity of the material. Porous materials are typically heterogeneous, making them susceptible to localized deformation. In this work, we consider random heterogeneities in density and degree of saturation as triggers of localized deformation in a porous material. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A note on finite element implementation of sandwich shell homogenization

A finite element (FE) implementation for sandwich shell through‐thickness homogenization is presented. The homogenization is performed within the analysis constitutive procedure and is suitable for the FE analysis of sandwich shells using explicit time‐integration scheme. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Computational homogenization of soft matter friction: Isogeometric framework and elastic boundary layers

A computational contact homogenization framework is established for the modeling and simulation of soft matter friction. The main challenges toward the realization of the framework are (1) the establishment of a frictional contact algorithm that displays an optimal combination of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness and plays a central role in (2) the construction of a micromechanical contact test within which samples of arbitrary size may be embedded and which is not restricted to a single deformable body. The former challenge is addressed through the extension of mixed variational formulations of contact mechanics to a mortar‐based isogeometric setting where the augmented Lagrangian approach serves as the constraint enforcement method. The latter challenge is addressed through the concept of periodic embedding, with which a periodically replicated ‐continuous interface topography is realized across which not only pending but also ensuing contact among simulation cells will be automatically captured. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional investigations with unilateral/bilateral periodic/random roughness on two elastic micromechanical samples demonstrate the overall framework and the nature of the macroscopic frictional response. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A dual mortar approach for 3D finite deformation contact with consistent linearization

In this paper, an approach for three‐dimensional frictionless contact based on a dual mortar formulation and using a primal–dual active set strategy for direct constraint enforcement is presented. We focus on linear shape functions, but briefly address higher order interpolation as well. The study builds on previous work by the authors for two‐dimensional problems. First and foremost, the ideas of a consistently linearized dual mortar scheme and of an interpretation of the active set search as a semi‐smooth Newton method are extended to the 3D case. This allows for solving all types of nonlinearities (i.e. geometrical, material and contact) within one single Newton scheme. Owing to the dual Lagrange multiplier approach employed, this advantage is not accompanied by an undesirable increase in system size as the Lagrange multipliers can be condensed from the global system of equations. Moreover, it is pointed out that the presented method does not make use of any regularization of contact constraints. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of our method and the high quality of results in 3D finite deformation contact analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A surrogate model for computational homogenization of elastostatics at finite strain using high-dimensional model representation-based neural network

We propose a surrogate model for two-scale computational homogenization of elastostatics at finite strains. The macroscopic constitutive law is made numerically available via an explicit formulation of the associated macroenergy density. This energy density is constructed by using a neural network architecture that mimics a high-dimensional model representation. The database for training this network is assembled through solving a set of microscopic boundary value problems with the prescribed macroscopic deformation gradients (input data) and subsequently retrieving the corresponding averaged energies (output data). Therefore, the two-scale computational procedure for nonlinear elasticity can be broken down into two solvers for microscopic and macroscopic equilibrium equations that work separately in two stages, called the offline and online stages. The finite element method is employed to solve the equilibrium equation at the macroscale. As for microscopic problems, an FFT-based collocation method is applied in tandem with the Newton-Raphson iteration and the conjugate-gradient method. Particularly, we solve the microscopic equilibrium equation in the Lippmann-Schwinger form without resorting to the reference medium. In this manner, the fixed-point iteration that might require quite strict numerical stability conditions in the nonlinear regime is avoided. In addition, we derive the projection operator used in the FFT-based method for homogenization of elasticity at finite strain.     

Thermal contact conductance of pressed contacts at low temperatures

The influence of variations of interface temperature in the range 50-300 K on the thermal contact conductance between aluminium and stainless steel joints was determined. Predictions were done by modeling the deformation at the interface for different values of surface finish and contact pressure over the range of interface temperatures. Both elastic and plastic deformation was considered. Experiments were carried out in a closed loop cryostat and the results were shown to compare well with the predictions. A reduction of the interface temperature resulted in a smaller value of thermal contact conductance. Interfacial pressure variation had much lower influence at the smaller value of temperatures. The role of surface roughness at the contact was also seen to be less significant at lower interface temperatures and the zone of hysteresis was smaller. A correlation was developed for estimating thermal contact conductance at joints over this temperature range. An explicit dependence of contact conductance on temperature was not seen to be necessary as long as the changes in the hardness and thermal conductivity of the material with temperature are incorporated in the correlation.     

A novel finite element formulation for frictionless contact problems

This article advocates a new methodology for the finite element solution of contact problems involving bodies that may undergo finite motions and deformations. The analysis is based on a decomposition of the two-body contact problem into two simultaneous sub-problems, and results naturally in geometrically unbiased discretization of the contacting surfaces. A proposed two-dimensional contact element is specifically designed to unconditionally allow for exact transmission of constant normal traction through interacting surfaces.     

A finite deformation mortar contact formulation using a primal–dual active set strategy

In recent years, nonconforming domain decomposition techniques and, in particular, the mortar method have become popular in developing new contact algorithms. Here, we present an approach for 2D frictionless multibody contact based on a mortar formulation and using a primal–dual active set strategy for contact constraint enforcement. We consider linear and higher‐order (quadratic) interpolations throughout this work. So‐called dual Lagrange multipliers are introduced for the contact pressure but can be eliminated from the global system of equations by static condensation, thus avoiding an increase in system size. For this type of contact formulation, we provide a full linearization of both contact forces and normal (non‐penetration) and tangential (frictionless sliding) contact constraints in the finite deformation frame. The necessity of such a linearization in order to obtain a consistent Newton scheme is demonstrated. By further interpreting the active set search as a semi‐smooth Newton method, contact nonlinearity and geometrical and material nonlinearity can be resolved within one single iterative scheme. This yields a robust and highly efficient algorithm for frictionless finite deformation contact problems. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of our method and the high quality of results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A finite deformation brick element with inhomogeneous mode enhancement

In this paper we describe a new enhanced assumed strain finite element for finite deformations. The element is based on the split of the deformation of an element into a homogeneous and inhomogeneous part. The enhancement is applied to the inhomogeneous part only. For the homogeneous part a compressible Neo‐Hooke material is used, while for the inhomogeneous part linear elasticity is assumed. In several examples it is shown that the element is locking and hourglassing free as well as insensitive to initial element distortion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A nonlocal computational homogenization of softening quasi-brittle materials

In this paper, a computational counterpart of the experimental investigation is presented based on a nonlocal computational homogenization technique for extracting damage model parameters in quasi-brittle materials with softening behavior. The technique is illustrated by introducing the macroscopic nonlocal strain to eliminate the mesh sensitivity in the macroscale level as well as the size dependence of the representative volume element (RVE) in the first-order continuous homogenization. The macroscopic nonlocal strains are computed at each direction, and both the local and nonlocal strains are transferred to the microscale level. Two RVEs with similar geometries and material properties are introduced for each macroscopic Gauss point, in which the microscopic damage variables and the macroscale consistent tangent modulus and its derivatives are obtained by imposing the macroscopic nonlocal strain on the first RVE, and the macroscopic stress is computed by employing the microscopic damage variables and imposing the macroscopic local strain over the second RVE. Finally, numerical examples are solved to illustrate the performance of the proposed nonlocal computational homogenization technique for softening quasi-brittle materials.     

A three-dimensional least-squares finite element technique for deformation analysis

The development of a three-dimensional least-squares finite element technique suitable for deformation analysis was presented. By adopting a spatial viewpoint, a consistent rate formulation that treats deformation as a process was established. The technique utilized the least-squares variational principle that minimizes the squares of errors encountered in any attempt to meet the field equations exactly. Both velocity and Cauchy stress rate fields were discretized by the same linear interpolation function. The discretization always yields a sparse, symmetric, and positive-definite coefficient matrix. A conjugate gradient iterative solver with incomplete-Choleski preconditioner was used to solve the resulting linear system of equations. Issues such as finite element formulation, mesh design, code efficiency, and time integration were addressed. A set of linear elastic problems was used for patch-test; both homogeneous and non-homogeneous deformations were considered. Additionally, two finite elastic deformation problems were analysed to gauge the overall performance of the technique. The results demonstrated the computational feasibility of a three-dimensional least-squares finite element technique for deformation analysis. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A mortar‐finite element formulation for frictional contact problems

In this paper a finite element formulation is developed for the solution of frictional contact problems. The novelty of the proposed formulation involves discretizing the contact interface with mortar elements, originally proposed for domain decomposition problems. The mortar element method provides a linear transformation of the displacement field for each boundary of the contacting continua to an intermediate mortar surface. On the mortar surface, contact kinematics are easily evaluated on a single discretized space. The procedure provides variationally consistent contact pressures and assures the contact surface integrals can be evaluated exactly. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

直接冷却中氮化铝与无氧铜低温真空接触热导的实验研究

以5W／20K小型G-M制冷机为冷源,对低温下氮化铝（AlN）与无氧铜（OFHC）界面的接触热导进行了实验研究和分析。在45～140K内,氮化铝／无氧铜界面接触热导随温度的升高而增大,同时亦随接触压力的增加而增大。实验中同时得到了氮化铝在低温下的热导率,随温度的升高,氮化铝热导率值逐渐增大。就氮化铝低温热导率及氮化铝／无氧铜接触界面热阻随温度变化规律进行了微结构机理分析。