Iterative coupling of FEM and BEM in 3D transient elastodynamics

A domain decomposition approach is presented for the transient analysis of three-dimensional wave propagation problems. The subdomains are modelled using the FEM and/or the BEM, and the coupling of the subdomains is performed in an iterative manner, employing a sequential Neumann–Dirichlet interface relaxation algorithm which also allows for an independent choice of the time step length in each subdomain. The approach has been implemented for general 3D problems. In order to investigate the convergence behaviour of the proposed algorithm, using different combinations of FEM and BEM subdomains, a parametric study is performed with respect to the choice of the relaxation parameters. The validity of the proposed method is shown by means of two numerical examples, indicating the excellent accuracy and applicability of the new formulation.