Alberto Garcia de Miguel

Bio: Alberto Garcia de Miguel is an academic researcher from Polytechnic University of Turin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Finite element method & Timoshenko beam theory. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 15 publications receiving 72 citations. Previous affiliations of Alberto Garcia de Miguel include University of Turin.

Homogenization and free-vibration analysis of elastic metamaterial plates by Carrera Unified Formulation finite elements

Abstract: This work focuses on the assessment of a novel so-called “homogenization method” allowing to transform a heterogeneous material with inclusions or holes into an equivalent homogeneous material with...

Cross-sectional mapping for refined beam elements with applications to shell-like structures

Abstract: This paper discusses the use of higher-order mapping functions for enhancing the physical representation of refined beam theories. Based on the Carrera unified formulation (CUF), advanced one-dimensional models are formulated by expressing the displacement field as a generic expansion of the generalized unknowns. According to CUF, a novel physically/geometrically consistent model is devised by employing Legendre-like polynomial sets to approximate the generalized unknowns at the cross-sectional level, whereas a local mapping technique based on the blending functions method is used to describe the exact physical boundaries of the cross-section domain. Classical and innovative finite element methods, including hierarchical p-elements and locking-free integration schemes, are utilized to solve the governing equations of the unified beam theory. Several numerical applications accounting for small displacements/rotations and strains are discussed, including beam structures with cross-sectional curved edges, cylindrical shells, and thin-walled aeronautical wing structures with reinforcements. The results from the proposed methodology are widely assessed by comparisons with solutions from the literature and commercial finite element software tools. The attention is focussed on the high computational efficiency and the marked capabilities of the present beam model, which can deal with a broad spectrum of structural problems with unveiled accuracy in terms of geometrical representation of the domain boundaries.

Strong and weak form solutions of curved beams via Carrera’s unified formulation

Abstract: In this article, the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional curved beams is investigated through closed-form solution as well as one-dimensional finite elements based on Carrera’s Unified Formula...

Global-local plug-in for high-fidelity composite stress analysis in Femap/NX Nastran

Abstract: The prediction of the actual stress fields in real structural applications is still not completely resolved, especially when dealing with composite structures. The geometrical complexity of...

The p–version of the finite–element method

Abstract: This paper concentrates on the advantages of a process based on the p–version of the finite–element method. Hierarchic polynomial approximation is briefly described to show the theoretical background of a gradually improved solution process which is the basis of the error–estimation capability as well. The traditional finite–element method, the h–version and the p–version are compared from the engineering point of view with special consideration given to simplicity, reliability and cost–effectiveness. Sample problems and industrial applications are presented in the areas of statics, dynamics, transient heat transfer and fracture mechanics to illustrate the most important benefits.

Carrera unified formulation (CUF) for the micropolar plates and shells. II. Complete linear expansion case

Abstract: New higher-order models of orthotropic micropolar plates and shells have been developed using Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). Here, a complete linear expansion case (CLEC) has been considered in...

Extension of MITC to higher-order beam models and shear locking analysis for compact, thin-walled, and composite structures

Abstract: Summary A class of mixed interpolated beam elements is introduced in this paper under the framework of the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) to eliminate the detrimental effects due to shear locking. The Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Components (MITC) method is adopted to generate locking-free displacement-based beam models using general 1D finite elements. An assumed distribution of the transverse shear strains is employed for the derivation of the virtual work and the full Gauss-Legendre quadrature is used for the numerical computation of all the components of the stiffness matrix. Linear, quadratic and cubic beam elements are developed using the unified formulation and applied to linear static problems including compact, laminated and thin-walled structures. A comprehensive study of how shear locking affects general beam elements when different classical integration schemes are employed is presented, evidencing the outstanding capabilities of the MITC method to overcome this numerical issue. Refined beam theories based on the expansion of pure and generalized displacement variables are implemented making use of Lagrange and Legendre polynomials over the cross-sectional domain, allowing one to capture complex states of stress with a 3D-like accuracy. The numerical examples are compared to analytic, numerical solutions from the literature, and commercial software solutions, whenever it is possible. The efficiency and robustness of the proposed method is demonstrated throughout all the assessments, illustrating that MITC elements are the natural choice to avoid shear locking and showing an unprecedent accuracy in the computation of transverse shear stresses for beam formulations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.