Showing papers in "Computational Mechanics in 2011"

Multiscale space---time fluid---structure interaction techniques

Abstract: We present the multiscale space---time techniques we have developed for fluid---structure interaction (FSI) computations. Some of these techniques are multiscale in the way the time integration is performed (i.e. temporally multiscale), some are multiscale in the way the spatial discretization is done (i.e. spatially multiscale), and some are in the context of the sequentially-coupled FSI (SCFSI) techniques developed by the Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling $${({\rm T} \bigstar {\rm AFSM})}$$ . In the multiscale SCFSI technique, the FSI computational effort is reduced at the stage we do not need it and the accuracy of the fluid mechanics (or structural mechanics) computation is increased at the stage we need accurate, detailed flow (or structure) computation. As ways of increasing the computational accuracy when or where needed, and beyond just increasing the mesh refinement or decreasing the time-step size, we propose switching to more accurate versions of the Deforming-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized Space---Time (DSD/SST) formulation, using more polynomial power for the basis functions of the spatial discretization or time integration, and using an advanced turbulence model. Specifically, for more polynomial power in time integration, we propose to use NURBS, and as an advanced turbulence model to be used with the DSD/SST formulation, we introduce a space---time version of the residual-based variational multiscale method. We present a number of test computations showing the performance of the multiscale space---time techniques we are proposing. We also present a stability and accuracy analysis for the higher-accuracy versions of the DSD/SST formulation.

A comparison of outlet boundary treatments for prevention of backflow divergence with relevance to blood flow simulations

Abstract: Simulation divergence due to backflow is a common, but not fully addressed, problem in three-dimensional simulations of blood flow in the large vessels. Because backflow is a naturally occurring physiologic phenomenon, careful treatment is necessary to realistically model backflow without artificially altering the local flow dynamics. In this study, we quantitatively compare three available methods for treatment of outlets to prevent backflow divergence in finite element Navier---Stokes solvers. The methods examined are (1) adding a stabilization term to the boundary nodes formulation, (2) constraining the velocity to be normal to the outlet, and (3) using Lagrange multipliers to constrain the velocity profile at all or some of the outlets. A modification to the stabilization method is also discussed. Three model problems, a short and long cylinder with an expansion, a right-angle bend, and a patient-specific aorta model, are used to evaluate and quantitatively compare these methods. Detailed comparisons are made to evaluate robustness, stability characteristics, impact on local and global flow physics, computational cost, implementation effort, and ease-of-use. The results show that the stabilization method offers a promising alternative to previous methods, with reduced effect on both local and global hemodynamics, improved stability, little-to-no increase in computational cost, and elimination of the need for tunable parameters.

Numerical integration of polynomials and discontinuous functions on irregular convex polygons and polyhedrons

Abstract: We construct efficient quadratures for the integration of polynomials over irregular convex polygons and polyhedrons based on moment fitting equations. The quadrature construction scheme involves the integration of monomial basis functions, which is performed using homogeneous quadratures with minimal number of integration points, and the solution of a small linear system of equations. The construction of homogeneous quadratures is based on Lasserre's method for the integration of homogeneous functions over convex polytopes. We also construct quadratures for the integration of discontinuous functions without the need to partition the domain into triangles or tetrahedrons. Several examples in two and three dimensions are presented that demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of the proposed method.

Possibilities of the particle finite element method for fluid---soil---structure interaction problems

Abstract: We present some developments in the particle finite element method (PFEM) for analysis of complex coupled problems in mechanics involving fluid---soil---structure interaction (FSSI). The PFEM uses an updated Lagrangian description to model the motion of nodes (particles) in both the fluid and the solid domains (the later including soil/rock and structures). A mesh connects the particles (nodes) defining the discretized domain where the governing equations for each of the constituent materials are solved as in the standard FEM. The stabilization for dealing with an incompressibility continuum is introduced via the finite calculus method. An incremental iterative scheme for the solution of the non linear transient coupled FSSI problem is described. The procedure to model frictional contact conditions and material erosion at fluid---solid and solid---solid interfaces is described. We present several examples of application of the PFEM to solve FSSI problems such as the motion of rocks by water streams, the erosion of a river bed adjacent to a bridge foundation, the stability of breakwaters and constructions sea waves and the study of landslides.

An implicit RBF meshless approach for time fractional diffusion equations

Abstract: This paper aims to develop an implicit meshless approach based on the radial basis function (RBF) for numerical simulation of time fractional diffusion equations. The meshless RBF interpolation is firstly briefed. The discrete equations for two-dimensional time fractional diffusion equation (FDE) are obtained by using the meshless RBF shape functions and the strong-forms of the time FDE. The stability and convergence of this meshless approach are discussed and theoretically proven. Numerical examples with different problem domains and different nodal distributions are studied to validate and investigate accuracy and efficiency of the newly developed meshless approach. It has proven that the present meshless formulation is very effective for modeling and simulation of fractional differential equations.

Stabilized space---time computation of wind-turbine rotor aerodynamics

Abstract: We show how we use the Deforming-Spatial-Domain/Stabilized Space---Time (DSD/SST) formulation for accurate 3D computation of the aerodynamics of a wind-turbine rotor. As the test case, we use the NREL 5MW offshore baseline wind-turbine rotor. This class of computational problems are rather challenging, because they involve large Reynolds numbers and rotating turbulent flows, and computing the correct torque requires an accurate and meticulous numerical approach. We compute the problem with both the original version of the DSD/SST formulation and a recently introduced version with an advanced turbulence model. The DSD/SST formulation with the advanced turbulence model is a space---time version of the residual-based variational multiscale method. We compare our results to those reported recently, which were obtained with the residual-based variational multiscale Arbitrary Lagrangian---Eulerian method using NURBS for spatial discretization and which we take as the reference solution. While the original DSD/SST formulation yields torque values not far from the reference solution, the DSD/SST formulation with the variational multiscale turbulence model yields torque values very close to the reference solution.

Numerical-performance studies for the stabilized space–time computation of wind-turbine rotor aerodynamics

Abstract: We present our numerical-performance studies for 3D wind-turbine rotor aerodynamics computation with the deforming-spatial-domain/stabilized space–time (DSD/SST) formulation. The computation is challenging because of the large Reynolds numbers and rotating turbulent flows, and computing the correct torque requires an accurate and meticulous numerical approach. As the test case, we use the NREL 5MW offshore baseline wind-turbine rotor. We compute the problem with both the original version of the DSD/SST formulation and the version with an advanced turbulence model. The DSD/SST formulation with the turbulence model is a recently-introduced space–time version of the residual-based variational multiscale method. We include in our comparison as reference solution the results obtained with the residual-based variational multiscale Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method using NURBS for spatial discretization. We test different levels of mesh refinement and different definitions for the stabilization parameter embedded in the “least squares on incompressibility constraint” stabilization. We compare the torque values obtained.

An efficient meshfree method for vibration analysis of laminated composite plates

Abstract: A detailed analysis of natural frequencies of laminated composite plates using the meshfree moving Kriging interpolation method is presented. The present formulation is based on the classical plate theory while the moving Kriging interpolation satisfying the delta property is employed to construct the shape functions. Since the advantage of the interpolation functions, the method is more convenient and no special techniques are needed in enforcing the essential boundary conditions. Numerical examples with different shapes of plates are presented and the achieved results are compared with reference solutions available in the literature. Several aspects of the model involving relevant parameters, fiber orientations, lay-up number, length-to-length, stiffness ratios, etc. affected on frequency are analyzed numerically in details. The convergence of the method on the natural frequency is also given. As a consequence, the applicability and the effectiveness of the present method for accurately computing natural frequencies of generally shaped laminates are demonstrated.

Isogeometric analysis of 2D gradient elasticity

Abstract: In the present contribution the concept of isogeometric analysis is extended towards the numerical solution of the problem of gradient elasticity in two dimensions. In gradient elasticity the strain energy becomes a function of the strain and its derivative. This assumption results in a governing differential equation which contains fourth order derivatives of the displacements. The numerical solution of this equation with a displacement-based finite element method requires the use of C 1-continuous elements, which are mostly limited to two dimensions and simple geometries. This motivates the implementation of the concept of isogeometric analysis for gradient elasticity. This NURBS based interpolation scheme naturally includes C 1 and higher order continuity of the approximation of the displacements and the geometry. The numerical approach is implemented for two-dimensional problems of linear gradient elasticity and its convergence behavior is studied.

Forming forces in single point incremental forming: prediction by finite element simulations, validation and sensitivity

Abstract: The aim of this article is to study the accuracy of finite element simulations in predicting the tool force occurring during the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process. The forming of two cones in soft aluminum was studied with two finite element (FE) codes and several constitutive laws (an elastic---plastic law coupled with various hardening models). The parameters of these laws were identified using several combinations of a tensile test, shear tests, and an inverse modeling approach taking into account a test similar to the incremental forming process. Comparisons between measured and predicted force values are performed. This article shows that three factors have an influence on force prediction: the type of finite element, the constitutive law and the identification procedure for the material parameters. In addition, it confirms that a detailed description of the behavior occurring across the thickness of the metal sheet is crucial for an accurate force prediction by FE simulations, even though a simple analytical formula could provide an otherwise acceptable answer.

Space---time FSI modeling and dynamical analysis of spacecraft parachutes and parachute clusters

Abstract: Computer modeling of spacecraft parachutes, which are quite often used in clusters of two or three large parachutes, involves fluid---structure interaction (FSI) between the parachute canopy and the air, geometric complexities created by the construction of the parachute from "rings" and "sails" with hundreds of gaps and slits, and the contact between the parachutes. The Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling $${({{\rm T} \bigstar {\rm AFSM}})}$$ has successfully addressed the computational challenges related to the FSI and geometric complexities, and recently started addressing the challenges related to the contact between the parachutes of a cluster. The core numerical technology is the stabilized space---time FSI technique developed and improved over the years by the $${{{\rm T} \bigstar {\rm AFSM}}}$$ . The special technique used in dealing with the geometric complexities is the Homogenized Modeling of Geometric Porosity, which was also developed and improved in recent years by the $${{{\rm T} \bigstar {\rm AFSM}}}$$ . In this paper we describe the technique developed by the $${{{\rm T} \bigstar {\rm AFSM}}}$$ for modeling, in the context of an FSI problem, the contact between two structural surfaces. We show how we use this technique in dealing with the contact between parachutes. We present the results obtained with the FSI computation of parachute clusters, the related dynamical analysis, and a special decomposition technique for parachute descent speed to make that analysis more informative. We also present a special technique for extracting from a parachute FSI computation model parameters, such as added mass, that can be used in fast, approximate engineering analysis models for parachute dynamics.

Analysis of laminated doubly-curved shells by a layerwise theory and radial basis functions collocation, accounting for through-the-thickness deformations

Abstract: In this paper, the static and free vibration analysis of laminated shells is performed by radial basis functions (RBFs) collocation, according to a layerwise deformation theory (LW). The present LW theory accounts for through-the-thickness deformation, by considering an Mindlin-like evolution of all displacements in each layer. The equations of motion and the boundary conditions are obtained by Carrera's unified formulation, and further interpolated by collocation with RBFs.

Efficient formulation for dynamics of corotational 2D beams

Abstract: The corotational method is an attractive approach to derive non-linear finite beam elements. In a number of papers, this method was employed to investigate the non-linear dynamic analysis of 2D beams. However, most of the approaches found in the literature adopted either a lumped mass matrix or linear local interpolations to derive the inertia terms (which gives the classical linear and constant Timoshenko mass matrix), although local cubic interpolations were used to derive the elastic force vector and the tangent stiffness matrix. In this paper, a new corotational formulation for dynamic nonlinear analysis is presented. Cubic interpolations are used to derive both the inertia and elastic terms. Numerical examples show that the proposed approach is more efficient than using lumped or Timoshenko mass matrices.

Nonlinear fluid---structure interaction problem. Part I: implicit partitioned algorithm, nonlinear stability proof and validation examples

Abstract: In this work we consider the fluid-structure interaction in fully nonlinear setting, where different space discretization can be used. The model problem considers finite elements for structure and finite volume for fluid. The computations for such interaction problem are performed by implicit schemes, and the partitioned algorithm separating fluid from structural iterations. The formal proof is given to find the condition for convergence of this iterative procedure in the fully nonlinear setting. Several validation examples are shown to confirm the proposed convergence criteria of partitioned algorithm. The proposed strategy provides a very suitable basics for code-coupling implementation as discussed in Part II.

Fundamental-solution-based hybrid FEM for plane elasticity with special elements

Abstract: The present paper develops a new type of hybrid finite element model with regular and special fundamental solutions (also known as Green's functions) as internal interpolation functions for analyzing plane elastic problems in structures weakened by circular holes. A variational functional used in the proposed model is first constructed, and then, the assumed intra-element displacement fields satisfying a priori the governing partial differential equations of the problem under consideration is constructed using a linear combination of fundamental solutions at a number of source points outside the element domain, as was done in the method of fundamental solutions. To ensure continuity of fields over inter-element boundaries, conventional shape functions are employed to construct the independent element frame displacement fields defined over the element boundary. The linkage of these two independent fields and the element stiffness equations in terms of nodal displacements are enforced by the minimization of the proposed variational functional. Special-purpose Green's functions associated with circular holes are used to construct a special circular hole element to effectively handle stress concentration problems without complicated local mesh refinement or mesh regeneration around the hole. The practical efficiency of the proposed element model is assessed via several numerical examples.

Converting an unstructured quadrilateral mesh to a standard T-spline surface

Abstract: This paper presents a novel method for converting any unstructured quadrilateral mesh to a standard T-spline surface, which is C 2-continuous except for the local region around each extraordinary node. There are two stages in the algorithm: the topology stage and the geometry stage. In the topology stage, we take the input quadrilateral mesh as the initial T-mesh, design templates for each quadrilateral element type, and then standardize the T-mesh by inserting nodes. One of two sufficient conditions is derived to guarantee the generated T-mesh is gap-free around extraordinary nodes. To obtain a standard T-mesh, a second sufficient condition is provided to decide what T-mesh configuration yields a standard T-spline. These two sufficient conditions serve as a theoretical basis for our template development and T-mesh standardization. In the geometry stage, an efficient surface fitting technique is developed to improve the geometric accuracy. In addition, the surface continuity around extraordinary nodes can be improved by adjusting surrounding control nodes. The algorithm can also preserve sharp features in the input mesh, which are common in CAD (Computer Aided Design) models. Finally, a Bezier extraction technique is used to facilitate T-spline based isogeometric analysis. Several examples are tested to show the robustness of the algorithm.

Study of liquid sloshing: numerical and experimental approach

Abstract: In this paper, sloshing phenomenon in a rectangular tank under a sway excitation is studied numerically and experimentally. Although considerable advances have occurred in the development of numerical and experimental techniques for studying liquid sloshing, discrepancies exist between these techniques, particularly in predicting time history of impact pressure. The aim of this paper is to study the sloshing phenomenon experimentally and numerically using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method. The algorithm is enhanced for accurately calculating impact load in sloshing flow. Experiments were conducted on a 1:30 scaled two-dimensional tank, undergoing translational motion along its longitudinal axis. Two different sloshing flows corresponding to the ratio of exciting frequency to natural frequency were studied. The numerical and experimental results are compared for both global and local parameters and show very good agreement.

An exact conserving algorithm for nonlinear dynamics with rotational DOFs and general hyperelasticity. Part 2: shells

Abstract: Following the approach developed for rods in Part 1 of this paper (Pimenta et al. in Comput. Mech. 42:715---732, 2008), this work presents a fully conserving algorithm for the integration of the equations of motion in nonlinear shell dynamics. We begin with a re-parameterization of the rotation field in terms of the so-called Rodrigues rotation vector, allowing for an extremely simple update of the rotational variables within the scheme. The weak form is constructed via non-orthogonal projection, the time-collocation of which ensures exact conservation of momentum and total energy in the absence of external forces. Appealing is the fact that general hyperelastic materials (and not only materials with quadratic potentials) are permitted in a totally consistent way. Spatial discretization is performed using the finite element method and the robust performance of the scheme is demonstrated by means of numerical examples.

Accurate finite element modeling of linear elastodynamics problems with the reduced dispersion error

Abstract: It is known that the reduction in the finite element space discretization error for elastodynamics problems is related to the reduction in numerical dispersion of finite elements. In the paper, we extend the modified integration rule technique for the mass and stiffness matrices to the dispersion reduction of linear finite elements for linear elastodynamics. The analytical study of numerical dispersion for the modified integration rule technique and for the averaged mass matrix technique is carried out in the 1-D, 2-D and 3-D cases for harmonic plane waves. In the general case of loading, the numerical study of the effectiveness of the dispersion reduction techniques includes the filtering technique (developed in our previous papers) that identifies and removes spurious high-frequency oscillations. 1-D, 2-D and 3-D impact problems for which all frequencies of the semi-discrete system are excited are solved with the standard approach and with the new dispersion reduction technique. Numerical results show that compared with the standard mass and stiffness matrices, the simple dispersion reduction techniques lead to a considerable decrease in the number of degrees of freedom and computation time at the same accuracy, especially for multi-dimensional problems. A simple quantitative estimation of the effectiveness of the finite element formulations with reduced numerical dispersion compared with the formulation based on the standard mass and stiffness matrices is suggested.

A local Petrov-Galerkin approach with moving Kriging interpolation for solving transient heat conduction problems

Abstract: A meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin approach based on the moving Kriging interpolation (Local Kriging method; LoKriging hereafter) is employed for solving partial different equations that govern the heat flow in two- and three-dimensional spaces. The method is developed based on the moving Kriging interpolation for constructing shape functions at scattered points, and the Heaviside step function is used as a test function in each sub-domain to avoid the need for domain integral in symmetric weak form. As the shape functions possess the Kronecker delta function property, essential boundary conditions can be implemented without any difficulties. The traditional two-point difference method is selected for the time discretization scheme. For computation of 3D problems, a novel local sub-domain from the polyhedrons is used for evaluating the integrals. Several selected numerical examples are presented to illustrate the performance of the LoKriging method.

A contact algorithm for 3D discrete and finite element contact problems based on penalty function method

Abstract: A contact algorithm in the context of the combined discrete element (DE) and finite element (FE) method is proposed. The algorithm, which is based on the node-to-surface method used in finite element method, treats each spherical discrete element as a slave node and the surfaces of the finite element domain as the master surfaces. The contact force on the contact interface is processed by using a penalty function method. Afterward, a modification of the combined DE/FE method is proposed. Following that, the corresponding numerical code is implemented into the in-house developed code. To test the accuracy of the proposed algorithm, the impact between two identical bars and the vibration process of a laminated glass plate under impact of elastic sphere are simulated in elastic range. By comparing the results with the analytical solution and/or that calculated by using LS-DYNA, it is found that they agree with each other very well. The accuracy of the algorithm proposed in this paper is proved.

The vibrations of pre-twisted rotating Timoshenko beams by the Rayleigh---Ritz method

Abstract: A modeling method for flapwise and chordwise bending vibration analysis of rotating pre-twisted Timoshenko beams is introduced. In the present modeling method, the shear and the rotary inertia effects on the modal characteristics are correctly included based on the Timoshenko beam theory. The kinetic and potential energy expressions of this model are derived from the Rayleigh---Ritz method, using a set of hybrid deformation variables. The equations of motion of the rotating beam are derived from the kinetic and potential energy expressions introduced in the present study. The equations thus derived are transmitted into dimensionless forms in which main dimensionless parameters are identified. The effects of dimensionless parameters such as the hub radius ratio, slenderness ration, etc. on the natural frequencies and modal characteristics of rotating pre-twisted beams are successfully examined through numerical studies. Finally the resonance frequency of the rotating beam is evaluated.

Dispersion and transient analyses of Hermite reproducing kernel Galerkin meshfree method with sub-domain stabilized conforming integration for thin beam and plate structures

Abstract: A dispersion analysis is carried out to study the dynamic behavior of the Hermite reproducing kernel (HRK) Galerkin meshfree formulation for thin beam and plate problems. The HRK approximation utilizes both the nodal deflectional and rotational variables to construct the meshfree approximation of the deflection field within the reproducing kernel framework. The discrete Galerkin formulation is fulfilled with the method of sub-domain stabilized conforming integration. In the dispersion analysis following the HRK Galerkin meshfree semi-discretization, both the deflectional and rotational nodal variables are expressed by harmonic functions and then substituted into the semi-discretized equation to yield the characteristic equation. Subsequently the numerical frequency and phase speed can be obtained. The transient analysis with full-discretization is performed by using the central difference time integration scheme. The results of dispersion analysis of thin beams and plates show that compared to the conventional Gauss integration-based meshfree formulation, the proposed method has more favorable dispersion performance. Thereafter the superior performance of the present method is also further demonstrated by several transient analysis examples.

An extended crystal plasticity model for latent hardening in polycrystals

Abstract: In this contribution, a computational approach to modeling size-dependent self- and latent hardening in polycrystals is presented. Latent hardening is the hardening of inactive slip systems due to active slip systems. We focus attention on the investigation of glide system interaction, latent hardening and excess dislocation development. In particular, latent hardening results in a transition to patchy slip as a first indication and expression of the development of dislocation microstructures. To this end, following Nye (Acta Metall 1:153-162, 1953), Kondo (in Proceedings of the second Japan national congress for applied mechanics. Science Council of Japan, Tokyo, pp. 41-47, 1953), and many others, local deformation incompatibility in the material is adopted as a measure of the density of geometrically necessary dislocations. Their development results in additional energy being stored in the material, leading to additional kinematic-like hardening effects. A large-deformation model for latent hardening is introduced. This approach is based on direct exploitation of the dissipation principle to derive all field relations and (sufficient) forms of the constitutive relations as based on the free energy density and dissipation potential. The numerical implementation is done via a dual-mixed finite element method. A numerical example for polycrystals is presented.

FASTSIM2: a second-order accurate frictional rolling contact algorithm

Abstract: In this paper we consider the frictional (tangential) steady rolling contact problem. We confine ourselves to the simplified theory, instead of using full elastostatic theory, in order to be able to compute results fast, as needed for on-line application in vehicle system dynamics simulation packages. The FASTSIM algorithm is the leading technology in this field and is employed in all dominant railway vehicle system dynamics packages (VSD) in the world. The main contribution of this paper is a new version "FASTSIM2" of the FASTSIM algorithm, which is second-order accurate. This is relevant for VSD, because with the new algorithm 16 times less grid points are required for sufficiently accurate computations of the contact forces. The approach is based on new insights in the characteristics of the rolling contact problem when using the simplified theory, and on taking precise care of the contact conditions in the numerical integration scheme employed.

Transient three-dimensional contact problems: mortar method. Mixed methods and conserving integration

Abstract: The present work deals with the development of an energy-momentum conserving method to unilateral contact constraints and is a direct continuation of a previous work (Hesch and Betsch in Comput Mech 2011, doi: 10.1007/s00466-011-0597-2 ) dealing with the NTS method. In this work, we introduce the mortar method and a newly developed segmentation process for the consistent integration of the contact interface. For the application of the energy-momentum approach to mortar constraints, we extend an approach based on a mixed formulation to the segment definition of the mortar constraints. The enhanced numerical stability of the newly proposed discretization method will be shown in several examples.

An effective computational tool for parametric studies and identification problems in materials mechanics

Abstract: Parametric studies and identification problems require to perform repeated analyses, where only a few input parameters are varied among those defining the problem of interest, often associated to complex numerical simulations. In fact, physical phenomena relevant to several practical applications involve coupled material and geometry non-linearities. In these situations, accurate but expensive computations, usually carried out by the finite element method, may be replaced by numerical procedures based on proper orthogonal decomposition combined with radial basis function interpolation. Besides drastically reducing computing times and costs, this approach is capable of retaining the essential features of the considered system responses while filtering most disturbances. These features are illustrated in this paper with specific reference to some elastic–plastic problems. The presented results can however be easily extended to other meaningful engineering situations.

Increasing the critical time step: micro-inertia, inertia penalties and mass scaling

Abstract: Explicit time integration is a popular method to simulate the dynamical behaviour of a system. Unfortunately, explicit time integration is only conditionally stable: the time step must be chosen not larger than the so-called "critical time step", otherwise the numerical solution may become unstable. To reduce the CPU time needed to carry out simulations, it is desirable to explore methods that increase the critical time step, which is the main objective of our paper. To do this, first we discuss and compare three approaches to increase the critical time step: micro-inertia formulations from continuum mechanics, inertia penalties which are used in computational mechanics, and mass scaling techniques that are mainly used in structural dynamics. As it turns out, the similarities between these methods are significant, and in fact they are identical in 1D if linear finite elements are used. This facilitates interpretation of the additional parameters in the various methods. Next, we derive, for a few simple finite element types, closed-form expressions for the critical time step with micro-structural magnification factors. Finally, we discuss computational overheads and some implementational details.

A hybrid-mixed finite element formulation for the geometrically exact analysis of three-dimensional framed structures

Abstract: This paper addresses the development of a hybrid-mixed finite element formulation for the quasi-static geometrically exact analysis of three-dimensional framed structures with linear elastic behavior. The formulation is based on a modified principle of stationary total complementary energy, involving, as independent variables, the generalized vectors of stress-resultants and displacements and, in addition, a set of Lagrange multipliers defined on the element boundaries. The finite element discretization scheme adopted within the framework of the proposed formulation leads to numerical solutions that strongly satisfy the equilibrium differential equations in the elements, as well as the equilibrium boundary conditions. This formulation consists, therefore, in a true equilibrium formulation for large displacements and rotations in space. Furthermore, this formulation is objective, as it ensures invariance of the strain measures under superposed rigid body rotations, and is not affected by the so-called shear-locking phenomenon. Also, the proposed formulation produces numerical solutions which are independent of the path of deformation. To validate and assess the accuracy of the proposed formulation, some benchmark problems are analyzed and their solutions compared with those obtained using the standard two-node displacement/ rotation-based formulation.

A parallel sparse algorithm targeting arterial fluid mechanics computations

Abstract: Iterative solution of large sparse nonsymmetric linear equation systems is one of the numerical challenges in arterial fluid---structure interaction computations. This is because the fluid mechanics parts of the fluid + structure block of the equation system that needs to be solved at every nonlinear iteration of each time step corresponds to incompressible flow, the computational domains include slender parts, and accurate wall shear stress calculations require boundary layer mesh refinement near the arterial walls. We propose a hybrid parallel sparse algorithm, domain-decomposing parallel solver (DDPS), to address this challenge. As the test case, we use a fluid mechanics equation system generated by starting with an arterial shape and flow field coming from an FSI computation and performing two time steps of fluid mechanics computation with a prescribed arterial shape change, also coming from the FSI computation. We show how the DDPS algorithm performs in solving the equation system and demonstrate the scalability of the algorithm.