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At least 73 records · Page 4

Finite elements and finite differences for transonic flow calculations

The paper reviews the chief finite difference and finite element techniques used for numerical solution of nonlinear mixed elliptic-hyperbolic equations governing transonic flow. The forms of the governing equations for unsteady two-dimensional transonic flow considered are the Euler equation, the full potential equation in both conservative and nonconservative form, the transonic small-disturbance equation in both conservative and nonconservative form, and the hodograph equations for the small-disturbance case and the full-potential case. Finite difference methods considered include time-dependent methods, relaxation methods, semidirect methods, and hybrid methods. Finite element methods include finite element Lax-Wendroff schemes, implicit Galerkin method, mixed variational principles, dual iterative procedures, optimal control methods and least squares.

Hafez, M. M.↗

Periodic trim solutions with hp-version finite elements in time

Finite elements in time as an alternative strategy for rotorcraft trim problems are studied. The research treats linear flap and linearized flap-lag response both for quasi-trim and trim cases. The connection between Fourier series analysis and hp-finite elements for periodic a problem is also examined. It is proved that Fourier series is a special case of space-time finite elements in which one element is used with a strong displacement formulation. Comparisons are made with respect to accuracy among Fourier analysis, displacement methods, and mixed methods over a variety parameters. The hp trade-off is studied for the periodic trim problem to provide an optimum step size and order of polynomial for a given error criteria. It is found that finite elements in time can outperform Fourier analysis for periodic problems, and for some given error criteria. The mixed method provides better results than does the displacement method.

Peters, David A.↗

Periodic trim solutions with hp-version finite elements in time

Finite elements in time as an alternative strategy for rotorcraft trim problems are studied. The research treats linear flap and linearized flap-lag response both for quasi-trim and trim cases. The connection between Fourier series analysis and hp-finite elements for periodic a problem is also examined. It is proved that Fourier series is a special case of space-time finite elements in which one element is used with a strong displacement formulation. Comparisons are made with respect to accuracy among Fourier analysis, displacement methods, and mixed methods over a variety parameters. The hp trade-off is studied for the periodic trim problem to provide an optimum step size and order of polynomial for a given error criteria. It is found that finite elements in time can outperform Fourier analysis for periodic problems, and for some given error criteria. The mixed method provides better results than does the displacement method.

Hou, Lin-Jun↗

Postbuckling of multilayered composite plates subjected to combined axial and thermal loads

A study is made of the postbuckling response of composite plates subjected to combined axial and thermal loadings. The analysis is based on a first-order shear deformation, von Karman type of nonlinear plate theory. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of the generalized displacements and the stress resultants of the plate. An efficient reduction method is used in conjunction with mixed finite element models for determining the stability boundary and the postbuckling response of the plate. Sensitivity derivatives are evaluated and used to study the sensitivity of the postbuckling response to variations in the different lamination and material parameters of the plate. For quasi-isotropic plates, numerical results are presented showing the effects of variations in the material characteristics and fiber orientation of individual layers on the postbuckling response of the plate.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

Benchmarking Mixed Mode Failure in Progressive Damage and Failure Analysis Methods

The verification and validation of progressive-damage-analysis finite element methods are difficult but critical tasks to undertake during their development. Verification exercises assess whether a predictive analysis tool produces results that are consistent with the fundamental concepts and assumptions of the tool under evaluation. Ideally, closed-form analytical solutions can be derived for which method verification results can be compared. Problems selected for computational tool verification are often simple and isolate individual features of the tool. In the case of progressive damage finite element methods, verifications should be performed to evaluate the ability of the model to predict the initiation of damage and its growth through the finite element mesh under a variety of conditions. Mabson et al. proposed a test case of a unidirectional, fiber-reinforced plate with a center crack subjected to tensile loads to evaluate matrix crack propagation predictions. The problem was modeled using the Abaqus Hashin continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model for fiber-reinforced composites. Different combinations of matrix strengths and element sizes were used in the simulations, and the results were compared to a closed-form solution based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). It was determined that the Abaqus CDM model could predict the LEFM solution of Mode I cracks only when the finite element mesh density met specific requirements based on the material properties. This paper presents closed-form LEFM solutions for a center notch mixed mode (CNMM) verification problem. Parametric finite element analyses were developed using progressive damage analysis methods of both the Discrete Damage Mechanics (DDM) and CDM classes. The progressive damage analysis methods applied in the analyses of the CNMM problem include CompDam and the Floating Node Method. Analyses were conducted with various mode mixities and element sizes to verify that the damage models were working as intended and to identify any limits of applicability.

Leone, Frank↗

Finite-element solution for a combined radiative-conductive analysis with mixed diffuse-specular surface characteristics

The finite-element method has been applied to solve a combined radiative-conductive heat transfer problem for a large space telescope similar to those used in orbiting satellites. The derivation of the underlying matrices and associated solution algorithm for a 2-D triangular element is presented in detail. The resulting expressions for this triangular element typify such an analysis, which yields constitutive matrices when the heat equation is cast in the matrix form. The relevant matrices include those pertaining to thermal conductance, internal heat generation, radiative exchanges, and all possible external thermal loadings. Emphasis is placed on the treatment of non-linear radiative interchange between surfaces in an enclosure having mixed diffuse-specular surface characteristics. Essential differences in governing equations describing these distinctive surface characteristics are identified. Concluding remarks are drawn from an example simulating a Cassegrainian space telescope.

Lee, H.-P.↗

Improved accuracy for finite element structural analysis via a new integrated force method

A comparative study was carried out to determine the accuracy of finite element analyses based on the stiffness method, a mixed method, and the new integrated force and dual integrated force methods. The numerical results were obtained with the following software: MSC/NASTRAN and ASKA for the stiffness method; an MHOST implementation method for the mixed method; and GIFT for the integrated force methods. The results indicate that on an overall basis, the stiffness and mixed methods present some limitations. The stiffness method generally requires a large number of elements in the model to achieve acceptable accuracy. The MHOST method tends to achieve a higher degree of accuracy for course models than does the stiffness method implemented by MSC/NASTRAN and ASKA. The two integrated force methods, which bestow simultaneous emphasis on stress equilibrium and strain compatibility, yield accurate solutions with fewer elements in a model. The full potential of these new integrated force methods remains largely unexploited, and they hold the promise of spawning new finite element structural analysis tools.

Patnaik, Surya N.↗

Improved accuracy for finite element structural analysis via an integrated force method

A comparative study was carried out to determine the accuracy of finite element analyses based on the stiffness method, a mixed method, and the new integrated force and dual integrated force methods. The numerical results were obtained with the following software: MSC/NASTRAN and ASKA for the stiffness method; an MHOST implementation method for the mixed method; and GIFT for the integrated force methods. The results indicate that on an overall basis, the stiffness and mixed methods present some limitations. The stiffness method generally requires a large number of elements in the model to achieve acceptable accuracy. The MHOST method tends to achieve a higher degree of accuracy for course models than does the stiffness method implemented by MSC/NASTRAN and ASKA. The two integrated force methods, which bestow simultaneous emphasis on stress equilibrium and strain compatibility, yield accurate solutions with fewer elements in a model. The full potential of these new integrated force methods remains largely unexploited, and they hold the promise of spawning new finite element structural analysis tools.

Patnaik, S. N.↗

A Conforming Multigrid Method for the Pure Traction Problem of Linear Elasticity: Mixed Formulation

A multigrid method using conforming P-1 finite element is developed for the two-dimensional pure traction boundary value problem of linear elasticity. The convergence is uniform even as the material becomes nearly incompressible. A heuristic argument for acceleration of the multigrid method is discussed as well. Numerical results with and without this acceleration as well as performance estimates on a parallel computer are included.

Lee, Chang-Ock↗

Computational Study of Electron-Molecule Collisions Related to Low-Temperature Plasmas

Computational study of electron-molecule collisions not only complements experimental measurements, but can also be used to investigate processes not readily accessible experimentally. A number of ab initio computational methods are available for these types of calculations. Here we describe a recently developed technique, the finite element Z-matrix method, Analogous to the R-matrix, method, it partitions the space into regions and employs real matrix elements. However, unlike the implementation of the R-matrix method commonly used in atomic and molecular physics, the Z-matrix method is fully variational. In the present implementation, a mixed basis of finite elements and Gaussians is used to represent the continuum electron, thus offering full flexibility without imposing fixed boundary conditions. Numerical examples include the electron-impact dissociation of N2 via the metastable A3Su+ state, a process which may be important in the lower thermosphere, and the dissociation of the CF radical, a process of interest to plasma etching. To understand the dissociation pathways, large scale quantum chemical calculations have been carried out for all target states which dissociate to the lowest five limits in the case of N2, and to the lowest two limits in the case of CF. For N2, the structural calculations clearly show the preference for predissociation if the initial state is the ground X1 Sg+ state, but direct dissociation appears to be preferable if the initial state is the A3Su+ state. Multi-configuration SCF target functions are used in the collisional calculation.

Huo, Winifred M.↗

Integration of Electromagnetic Geophysics Forward Simulation in Coupled Flow and Geomechanics for Monitoring a Gas Hydrate Deposit Located in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea, Korea

We investigate the feasibility of electromagnetic (EM) geophysics methods to detect the dissociation of gas hydrate specifically from a gas hydrate deposit located in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea, Korea via an integrated flow-geomechanics-EM geophysics simulation. To this end, coupled flow and geomechanics simulation is first performed with the multiple porosity model employed, where a mixed formulation with the finite volume (FV) and finite element (FE) methods are taken for the flow and geomechanics, respectively. From the saturation and porosity fields obtained from the coupled flow and geomechanics, the electrical conductivity model is established for the EM simulation. Solving the partial differential equation of electrical diffusion which is linearized using the 3D finite element method (FEM), the EM fields are then computed. For numerical experiments, particularly two approaches in the configuration for the EM methods are compared in this contribution: the surface-to-surface and the surface-to-borehole methods. When the surface-to-surface EM method is employed, the EM is found to be less sensitive, implying low detectability. Especially for the short term of production, the low detectability is attributed to the similarity of electrical resistivity between the dissociated gas (CH4) and hydrate as well as the specific dissociation pattern within the intercalated composites of the field. On the other hand, when the surface-to-borehole EM method is employed, its sensitivity to capture the produced gas flow is improved, confirming its detectability in monitoring gas flow. Hence, the EM geophysics simulation integrated with coupled flow and geomechanics can be a potential tool for monitoring gas hydrate deposits.

depressurization↗

Finite element method for optimal guidance of an advanced launch vehicle

A temporal finite element based on a mixed form of Hamilton's weak principle is summarized for optimal control problems. The resulting weak Hamiltonian finite element method is extended to allow for discontinuities in the states and/or discontinuities in the system equations. An extension of the formulation to allow for control inequality constraints is also presented. The formulation does not require element quadrature, and it produces a sparse system of nonlinear algebraic equations. To evaluate its feasibility for real-time guidance applications, this approach is applied to the trajectory optimization of a four-state, two-stage model with inequality constraints for an advanced launch vehicle. Numerical results for this model are presented and compared to results from a multiple-shooting code. The results show the accuracy and computational efficiency of the finite element method.

Hodges, Dewey H.↗

A least-squares finite element method for incompressible Navier-Stokes problem

Most finite element schemes for solving the Navier-Stokes equations can be categorized into the Galerkin mixed method and the penalty method. The mixed method leads to a saddle-point problem. In order to guarantee the existence of a solution, the combination of velocity and pressure interpolations requires satisfaction of the Ladyzhenskaya Babuska Brezzi (LBB) consistency condition which precludes the use of equal order interpolations and many seemingly natural pairs of velocity and pressure elements. In a previous paper a least-squares finite element method based on the first order velocity-pressure-vorticity formulation for the Stokes problem was proposed. This method leads to a minimization problem. The choice of combination of elements is thus not subject to the LBB condition. The numerical experiments exhibit the optimal rate of convergence for all variables with equal order interpolations. A theoretical error analysis supports the numerical results. In this paper the least-squares finite element method is extended to solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes problem.

Jiang, Bonan↗

A simplified approach to strain energy release rate computations for interlaminar fracture of composites

A simple approach for the strain energy release rate computations based on the finite element method and a singular fitting model is presented. The model uses the stress and displacement distributions at the delamination front. The method is applied to a mixed-mode double cracked-lap-shear composite configuration. The strain energy release rate components predicted by the model are compared with the finite element crack-closure method. The effect of the mesh size on the stress and displacement distribution is isolated. The strain energy release rates predicted by relatively coarse mesh sizes are in good agreement with the finite element crack closure method.

Armanios, Erian A.↗

Application of a Galerkin finite element method to atmospheric transport problems

Numerical simulation of the movement of a contaminant within the atmosphere presents difficulties due to the multidimensionality of the problem and the fact that the horizontal transport is usually convection dominated, that the boundary conditions are mixed, and that both slow and fast atmospheric chemical reactions can be important. In this study, numerical experiments using a Crank-Nicolson Galerkin finite element method to solve the time-dependent partial differential equations demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of this method for the variety of conditions encountered in atmospheric pollutant modeling. The Crank-Nicolson Galerkin method using piecewise linear, piecewise cubic Hermite polynomials, and upwind finite elements is shown to accurately model the pure convection of initial wave forms. Numerical results studying the interactions of convection, diffusion, chemical reaction, pollutant removal, and the effects of contaminant emission source strength, source location and multiple sources are also presented.

Carmichael, G. R.↗

The MHOST finite element program: 3-D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components. Volume 3: Systems' manual

The internal structure is discussed of the MHOST finite element program designed for 3-D inelastic analysis of gas turbine hot section components. The computer code is the first implementation of the mixed iterative solution strategy for improved efficiency and accuracy over the conventional finite element method. The control structure of the program is covered along with the data storage scheme and the memory allocation procedure and the file handling facilities including the read and/or write sequences.

Nakazawa, Shohei↗

Impacts of Mode Mixity on Controlled Spalling of (100)-Oriented Germanium

Controlled spalling is a technology to prepare single-crystal thin films of semiconductors by fracture with a subsurface crack propagating nearly parallel to the substrate surface. Practical applications require uniform thickness and a smooth surface across the whole film. Both wafer-scale and patterned-stressor-defined small-area spalling of germanium substrates are conducted experimentally and numerically. River line features are observed on spalled surfaces close to lateral edges of the spall, regardless of the spall direction and the size of the spalled area. Three-dimensional finite element method modeling shows the river lines are caused by mixed mode I?+?III loading near the lateral edges of spall and predicts a spall depth variation near the lateral edges of spall due to mixed mode I?+?II loading. The absolute range of river lines increases with lateral size of spall, while the relative range of river lines decreases, consistent with variations in mode mixity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Finite element solvers for incompressible fluid flows and heat transfer

Two different finite-element solvers for incompressible viscous flow, i.e., the mixed interpolation method and the SIMPLE-type iterative method, are compared and tested with some benchmark problems. The advantages of the SIMPLE-type iterative method are the decoupling of the governing equations and the use of equal-order interpolation functions for both velocity and pressure. Even though there is a significant difference between the two methods in terms of the pressure field, similar solutions are obtained for the velocity field.

Sohn, Jeong L.↗