Simple and extensible plate and shell finite element models through automatic code generation tools

in Computers and Structures (2018), 209

A large number of advanced finite element shell formulations have been developed, but their adoption is hindered by complexities of transforming mathematical formulations into computer code. Furthermore ... [more ▼]

A large number of advanced finite element shell formulations have been developed, but their adoption is hindered by complexities of transforming mathematical formulations into computer code. Furthermore, it is often not straightforward to adapt existing implementations to emerging frontier problems in thin structural mechanics including nonlinear material behaviour, complex microstructures, multi-physical couplings, or active materials. We show that by using a high-level mathematical modelling strategy and automatic code generation tools, a wide range of advanced plate and shell finite element models can be generated easily and efficiently, including: the linear and non-linear geometrically exact Naghdi shell models, the Marguerre-von K ́arm ́an shallow shell model, and the Reissner-Mindlin plate model. To solve shear and membrane-locking issues, we use: a novel re-interpretation of the Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Component (MITC) procedure as a mixed-hybridisable finite element method, and a high polynomial order Partial Selective Reduced Integration (PSRI) method. The effectiveness of these approaches and the ease of writing solvers is illustrated through a large set of verification tests and demo codes, collected in an open-source library, FEniCS-Shells, that extends the FEniCS Project finite element problem solving environment. [less ▲]

Strain smoothed for compressible and nearly-incompressible finite elasticity

in Computers and Structures (2017), 182

We present a robust and efficient form of the smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) to simulate hyperelastic bodies with compressible and nearly-incompressible neo-Hookean behaviour. The resulting method ... [more ▼]

We present a robust and efficient form of the smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) to simulate hyperelastic bodies with compressible and nearly-incompressible neo-Hookean behaviour. The resulting method is stable, free from volumetric locking and robust on highly distorted meshes. To ensure inf-sup stability of our method we add a cubic bubble function to each element. The weak form for the smoothed hyperelastic problem is derived analogously to that of smoothed linear elastic problem. Smoothed strains and smoothed deformation gradients are evaluated on sub-domains selected by either edge information (edge-based S-FEM, ES-FEM) or nodal information (node-based S-FEM, NS-FEM). Numerical examples are shown that demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the proposed approach in the nearly-incompressible limit and on highly distorted meshes. We conclude that, strain smoothing is at least as accurate and stable, as the MINI element, for an equivalent problem size. [less ▲]

Analysis of composite plates through cell-based smoothed finite element and 4-noded mixed interpolation of tensorial components techniques

in Computers and Structures (2014), 135

The static bending and the free vibration analysis of composite plates are performed with Carrera's Unified Formulation (CUF). We combine the cell-based smoothed finite element method (CSFEM) and the 4 ... [more ▼]

The static bending and the free vibration analysis of composite plates are performed with Carrera's Unified Formulation (CUF). We combine the cell-based smoothed finite element method (CSFEM) and the 4-noded mixed interpolation of tensorial components approach (MITC4). The smoothing method is used for the approximation of the bending strains, whilst the mixed interpolation allows the calculation of the shear transverse stress in a different manner. With a few numerical examples, the accuracy and the efficiency of the approach is demonstrated. The insensitiveness to shear locking is also demonstrated. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

An isogeometric boundary element method for elastostatic analysis: 2D implementation aspects

in Computers and Structures (2013), 118

The concept of isogeometric analysis, whereby the parametric functions that are used to describe CAD geometry are also used to approximate the unknown fields in a numerical discretisation, has progressed ... [more ▼]

The concept of isogeometric analysis, whereby the parametric functions that are used to describe CAD geometry are also used to approximate the unknown fields in a numerical discretisation, has progressed rapidly in recent years. This paper advances the field further by outlining an isogeometric boundary element Method (IGABEM) that only requires a representation of the geometry of the domain for analysis, fitting neatly with the boundary representation provided completely by CAD. The method circumvents the requirement to generate a boundary mesh representing a significant step in reducing the gap between engineering design and analysis. The current paper focuses on implementation details of 2D IGABEM for elastostatic analysis with particular attention paid towards the differences over conventional boundary element implementations. Examples of Matlab® code are given whenever possible to aid understanding of the techniques used. [less ▲]

On three-dimensional modelling of crack growth using partition of unity methods

in Computers and Structures (2010), 88(23-24), 1391-1411

This paper reviews different crack tracking techniques in three-dimensions applicable in the context of partition of unity methods, especially meshfree methods. Issues such as describing and tracking the ... [more ▼]

This paper reviews different crack tracking techniques in three-dimensions applicable in the context of partition of unity methods, especially meshfree methods. Issues such as describing and tracking the crack surface are addressed. A crack tracking procedure is proposed in detail and implemented in the context of the extended element-free Galerkin method (XEFG). Several three-dimensional cracking examples are compared to other results from the literature or the experimental data and show good agreement. [less ▲]

Strain smoothing in FEM and XFEM

in Computers and Structures (2010), 88(23-24), 1419-1443

We present in this paper recent achievements realised on the application of strain smoothing in finite elements and propose suitable extensions to problems with discontinuities and singularities. The ... [more ▼]

We present in this paper recent achievements realised on the application of strain smoothing in finite elements and propose suitable extensions to problems with discontinuities and singularities. The numerical results indicate that for 2D and 3D continuum, locking can be avoided. New plate and shell formulations that avoid both shear and membrane locking are also briefly reviewed. The principle is then extended to partition of unity enrichment to simplify numerical integration of discontinuous approximations in the extended finite element method. Examples are presented to test the new elements for problems involving cracks in linear elastic continua and cracked plates. In the latter case, the proposed formulation suppresses locking and yields elements which behave very well, even in the thin plate limit. Two important features of the set of elements presented are their insensitivity to mesh distortion and a lower computational cost than standard finite elements for the same accuracy. These elements are easily implemented in existing codes since they only require the modification of the discretized gradient operator, B. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [less ▲]