Dynamic analysis of large-scale SSI systems for layered unbounded media via a parallelized coupled finite-element/boundary-element/scaled boundary finite-element model

An algorithm for a parallelized coupled model based on finite element method (FEM), boundary element method (BEM), and scaled boundary FEM (SBFEM) for harmonic and transient dynamic response of large-scale 2D structures embedded in or on layered soil media is presented. The BEM and SBFEM are used for modelling the dynamic response of the unbounded media. The standard FEM is used for modelling the finite region and the embedded structure. The objective of the development of this parallelized coupled model is to use the power of high performance computing, and to take into account the advantages and evade the disadvantages of the above mentioned numerical methods for modelling of the unbounded media in soil-structure interaction (SSI) systems. The development of the parallel algorithm for this model is essential for solving arbitrarily shaped large-scale SSI problems, which cannot be solved within reasonable elapsed times by a serial algorithm. The efficiency of the proposed parallel algorithm and the validity of the coupled model are shown by means of three numerical examples, indicating the excellent accuracy and applicability of the parallel algorithm with considerable time-savings in large-scale problems.     

A modified scaled boundary finite element method for three‐dimensional dynamic soil‐structure interaction in layered soil

This paper is devoted to the analysis of elastodynamic problems in 3D‐layered systems which are unbounded in the horizontal direction. For this purpose, a finite element model of the near field is coupled to a scaled boundary finite element model (SBFEM) of the far field. The SBFEM is originally based on describing the geometry of a half‐space or full‐space domain by scaling the geometry of the near field / far field interface using a radial coordinate. A modified form of the SBFEM for waves in a 2D layer is also available. None of these existing formulations can be used to describe a 3D‐layered medium. In this paper, a modified SBFEM for the analysis of 3D‐layered continua is derived. Based on the use of a scaling line instead of a scaling centre, a suitable scaled boundary transformation is proposed. The derivation of the corresponding scaled boundary finite element (SBFE) equations in displacement and stiffness is presented in detail. The latter is a nonlinear differential equation with respect to the radial coordinate, which has to be solved numerically for each excitation frequency considered in the analysis. Various numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of the new method and its correct implementation. These include rigid circular and square foundations embedded in or resting on the surface of layered homogeneous or inhomogeneous 3D soil deposits over rigid bedrock. Hysteretic damping is assumed in some cases. The dynamic stiffness coefficients calculated using the proposed method are compared with analytical solutions or existing highly accurate numerical results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling cohesive crack growth using a two-step finite element-scaled boundary finite element coupled method

A two-step method, coupling the finite element method (FEM) and the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM), is developed in this paper for modelling cohesive crack growth in quasi-brittle normal-sized structures such as concrete beams. In the first step, the crack trajectory is fully automatically predicted by a recently-developed simple remeshing procedure using the SBFEM based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. In the second step, interfacial finite elements with tension-softening constitutive laws are inserted into the crack path to model gradual energy dissipation in the fracture process zone, while the elastic bulk material is modelled by the SBFEM. The resultant nonlinear equation system is solved by a local arc-length controlled solver. Two concrete beams subjected to mode-I and mixed-mode fracture respectively are modelled to validate the proposed method. The numerical results demonstrate that this two-step SBFEM-FEM coupled method can predict both satisfactory crack trajectories and accurate load-displacement relations with a small number of degrees of freedom, even for crack growth problems with strong snap-back phenomenon. The effects of the tensile strength, the mode-I and mode-II fracture energies on the predicted load-displacement relations are also discussed.     

A semi‐analytical curved element for linear elasticity based on the scaled boundary finite element method

This work introduces a semi‐analytical formulation for the simulation and modeling of curved structures based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This approach adapts the fundamental idea of the SBFEM concept to scale a boundary to describe a geometry. Until now, scaling in SBFEM has exclusively been performed along a straight coordinate that enlarges, shrinks, or shifts a given boundary. In this novel approach, scaling is based on a polar or cylindrical coordinate system such that a boundary is shifted along a curved scaling direction. The derived formulations are used to compute the static and dynamic stiffness matrices of homogeneous curved structures. The resulting elements can be coupled to general SBFEM or FEM domains. For elastodynamic problems, computations are performed in the frequency domain. Results of this work are validated using the global matrix method and standard finite element analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling dynamic crack propagation using the scaled boundary finite element method

This study presents a novel application of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) to model dynamic crack propagation problems. Accurate dynamic stress intensity factors are extracted directly from the semi‐analytical solutions of SBFEM. They are then used in the dynamic fracture criteria to determine the crack‐tip position, velocity and propagation direction. A simple, yet flexible remeshing algorithm is used to accommodate crack propagation. Three dynamic crack propagation problems that include mode‐I and mix‐mode fracture are modelled. The results show good agreement with experimental and numerical results available in the literature. It is found that the developed method offers some advantages over conventional FEM in terms of accuracy, efficiency and ease of implementation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A scaled boundary finite element method applied to electrostatic problems

The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is a novel semi-analytical technique, combining the advantages of the finite element and the boundary element methods with unique properties of its own. In this paper, the SBFEM is firstly extended to solve electrostatic problems. Two new SBFE coordination systems are introduced. Based on Laplace equation of electrostatic field, the derivations (based on a new variational principle formulation) and solutions of SBFEM equations for both bounded domain and unbounded domain problems are expressed in details, the solution for the inclusion of prescribed potential along the side-faces of bounded domain is also presented in details, then the total charges on the side-faces can be semi-analytically solved, and a particular solution for the potential field in unbounded domain satisfying the constant external field is solved. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are illustrated by numerical examples with complicated field domains, potential singularities, inhomogeneous media and open boundaries. In comparison with analytic solution method and other numerical methods, the results show that the present method has strong ability to resolve singularity problems analytically by choosing the scaling centre at the singular point, has the inherent advantage of solving the open boundary problems without truncation boundary condition, has efficient application to the problems with inhomogeneous media by placing the scaling centre in the bi-material interfaces, and produces more accurate solution than conventional numerical methods with far less number of degrees of freedom. The method in electromagnetic field calculation can have broad application prospects.     

Transient heat conduction analysis in a piecewise homogeneous domain by a coupled boundary and finite element method

A coupled finite element–boundary element analysis method for the solution of transient two‐dimensional heat conduction equations involving dissimilar materials and geometric discontinuities is developed. Along the interfaces between different material regions of the domain, temperature continuity and energy balance are enforced directly. Also, a special algorithm is implemented in the boundary element method (BEM) to treat the existence of corners of arbitrary angles along the boundary of the domain. Unknown interface fluxes are expressed in terms of unknown interface temperatures by using the boundary element method for each material region of the domain. Energy balance and temperature continuity are used for the solution of unknown interface temperatures leading to a complete set of boundary conditions in each region, thus allowing the solution of the remaining unknown boundary quantities. The concepts developed for the BEM formulation of a domain with dissimilar regions is employed in the finite element–boundary element coupling procedure. Along the common boundaries of FEM–BEM regions, fluxes from specific BEM regions are expressed in terms of common boundary (interface) temperatures, then integrated and lumped at the nodal points of the common FEM–BEM boundary so that they are treated as boundary conditions in the analysis of finite element method (FEM) regions along the common FEM–BEM boundary. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于比例边界有限元法动态刚度矩阵的坝库耦合分析方法

针对坝体在水平向激励下的瞬态耦合问题和基于比例边界有限元法,推导了等横截面半无限水库的动态刚度矩阵,其值用贝赛尔函数计算。基于该动态刚度矩阵,建立了有限元法与比例边界有限元法的耦合方程,分析了水平向激励下任意几何形状的半无限水库的瞬态响应。其中,半无限水库分解成用有限元离散的任意几何形状的近场域和用比例边界有限元法模拟的远场域即等横截面半无限水库。通过比较动态刚度矩阵和动态质量矩阵模拟等横截面半无限水库的计算效率,发现它们计算精度相同,但动态刚度矩阵效率更高。数值算例表明了所发展的动态刚度矩阵与其耦合方程的正确性。     

Acoustic modelling by BEM–FEM coupling procedures taking into account explicit and implicit multi‐domain decomposition techniques

The numerical modelling of interacting acoustic media by boundary element method–finite element method (BEM–FEM) coupling procedures is discussed here, taking into account time‐domain approaches. In this study, the global model is divided into different sub‐domains and each sub‐domain is analysed independently (considering BEM or FEM discretizations): the interaction between the different sub‐domains of the global model is accomplished by interface procedures. Numerical formulations based on FEM explicit and implicit time‐marching schemes are discussed, resulting in direct and optimized iterative BEM–FEM coupling techniques. A multi‐level time‐step algorithm is considered in order to improve the flexibility, accuracy and stability (especially when conditionally stable time‐marching procedures are employed) of the coupled analysis. At the end of the paper, numerical examples are presented, illustrating the potentialities and robustness of the proposed methodologies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fully-automatic modelling of cohesive crack growth using a finite element-scaled boundary finite element coupled method

This study develops a method coupling the finite element method (FEM) and the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) for fully-automatic modelling of cohesive crack growth in quasi-brittle materials. The simple linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)-based remeshing procedure developed previously is augmented by inserting nonlinear interface finite elements automatically. The constitutive law of these elements is modelled by the cohesive/fictitious crack model to simulate the fracture process zone, while the elastic bulk material is modelled by the SBFEM. The resultant nonlinear equation system is solved by a local arc-length controlled solver. The crack is assumed to grow when the mode-I stress intensity factor K_I vanishes in the direction determined by LEFM criteria. Other salient algorithms associated with the SBFEM, such as mapping state variables after remeshing and calculating K_I using a “shadow subdomain”, are also described. Two concrete beams subjected to mode-I and mixed-mode fracture respectively are modelled to validate the new method. The results show that this SBFEM-FEM coupled method is capable of fully-automatically predicting both satisfactory crack trajectories and accurate load-displacement relations with a small number of degrees of freedom, even for problems with strong snap-back. Parametric studies were carried out on the crack incremental length, the concrete tensile strength, and the mode-I and mode-II fracture energies. It is found that the K_I ? 0 criterion is objective with respect to the crack incremental length.     

Efficient prediction of deterministic size effects using the scaled boundary finite element method

This paper develops an efficient numerical approach to predict deterministic size effects in structures made of quasi-brittle materials using the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). Depending on the structure’s size, two different SBFEM-based crack propagation modelling methodologies are used for fracture analyses. When the length of the fracture process zone (FPZ) in a structure is of the order of its characteristic dimension, nonlinear fracture analyses are carried out using the finite element-SBFEM coupled method. In large-sized structures, a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)-based SBFEM is used to reduce computing time due to small crack propagation length required to represent the FPZ in an equivalent nonlinear analysis. Remeshing is used in both methods to model crack propagation with crack paths unknown a priori. The resulting peak loads are used to establish the size effect laws. Three concrete structures were modelled to validate the approach. The predicted size effect is in good agreement with experimental data. The developed approach was found more efficient than the finite element method, at least in modelling LEFM problems and is thus an attractive tool for predicting size effect.     

An adaptive domain decomposition coupled finite element–boundary element method for solving problems in elasto‐plasticity

The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive finite element–boundary element method (FEM–BEM) coupling method that is valid for both two‐ and three‐dimensional elasto‐plastic analyses. The method takes care of the evolution of the elastic and plastic regions. It eliminates the cumbersome of a trial and error process in the identification of the FEM and BEM sub‐domains in the standard FEM–BEM coupling approaches. The method estimates the FEM and BEM sub‐domains and automatically generates/adapts the FEM and BEM meshes/sub‐domains, according to the state of computation. The results for two‐ and three‐dimensional applications in elasto‐plasticity show the practicality and the efficiency of the adaptive FEM–BEM coupling method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adaptive modeling of damage growth using a coupled FEM/BEM approach

We propose a coupled boundary element method (BEM) and a finite element method (FEM) for modelling localized damage growth in structures. BEM offers the flexibility of modelling large domains efficiently, while the non‐linear damage growth is accurately accounted by a local FEM mesh. An integral‐type nonlocal continuum damage mechanics with adapting FEM mesh is used to model multiple damage zones and follow their propagation in the structure. Strong form coupling, BEM hosted, is achieved using Lagrange multipliers. Because the non‐linearity is isolated in the FEM part of the system of equations, the system size is reduced using Schur complement approach, then the solution is obtained by a monolithic Newton method that is used to solve both domains simultaneously. The coupled BEM/FEM approach is verified by a set of convergence studies, where the reference solution is obtained by a fine FEM. In addition, the method is applied to multiple fractures growth benchmark problems and shows good agreement with the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An overlapping domain decomposition approach for coupling the finite and boundary element methods

An overlapping iterative domain decomposition approach for the coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the boundary element method (BEM) is presented in this paper. In this proposed method, the domain of the original problem is subdivided into a FEM sub-domain and a BEM sub-domain, such that the two sub-domains partially overlap over a common region. The common region is modeled by both methods. A brief discussion on the existing iterative coupling methods and their limitations are given in the first part of this paper. In the second part, the proposed overlapping method is described and the convergence conditions are presented. Two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method for handling cases where the Neumann boundary conditions are specified on the entire external boundary of the FEM or BEM sub-domains.     

Fully automatic modelling of mixed-mode crack propagation using scaled boundary finite element method

The newly-developed scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is able to calculate stress intensity factors directly because the singularity in stress solutions at crack tips is analytically represented. By taking this advantage, a mixed-mode crack propagation model based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) was developed in this study. A domain is first divided into a few subdomains. Because the dimensions and shapes of subdomains can be flexibly varied and only the domain boundaries or common edges between subdomains are discretised in the SBFEM, a remeshing procedure as simple as in boundary element methods was developed with minimum mesh changes whereas the generality and flexibility of the FEM is well maintained. Fully-automatic modelling of mixed-mode crack propagation is then achieved by combining the remeshing procedure with a propagation criterion. Three mixed-mode examples were modelled. Comparisons of the numerical results with those from available publications show that the developed model is capable of predicting crack trajectories and load-displacement relations accurately and efficiently.     

Explicit finite element artificial boundary scheme for transient scalar waves in two‐dimensional unbounded waveguide

To simulate the transient scalar wave propagation in a two‐dimensional unbounded waveguide, an explicit finite element artificial boundary scheme is proposed, which couples the standard dynamic finite element method for complex near field and a high‐order accurate artificial boundary condition (ABC) for simple far field. An exact dynamic‐stiffness ABC that is global in space and time is constructed. A temporal localization method is developed, which consists of the rational function approximation in the frequency domain and the auxiliary variable realization into time domain. This method is applied to the dynamic‐stiffness ABC to result in a high‐order accurate ABC that is local in time but global in space. By discretizing the high‐order accurate ABC along artificial boundary and coupling the result with the standard lumped‐mass finite element equation of near field, a coupled dynamic equation is obtained, which is a symmetric system of purely second‐order ordinary differential equations in time with the diagonal mass and non‐diagonal damping matrices. A new explicit time integration algorithm in structural dynamics is used to solve this equation. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A frequency-domain approach for modelling transient elastodynamics using scaled boundary finite element method

This study develops a frequency-domain method for modelling general transient linear-elastic dynamic problems using the semi-analytical scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This approach first uses the newly-developed analytical Frobenius solution to the governing equilibrium equation system in the frequency domain to calculate complex frequency-response functions (CFRFs). This is followed by a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the transient load and a subsequent inverse FFT of the CFRFs to obtain time histories of structural responses. A set of wave propagation and structural dynamics problems, subjected to various load forms such as Heaviside step load, triangular blast load and ramped wind load, are modelled using the new approach. Due to the semi-analytical nature of the SBFEM, each problem is successfully modelled using a very small number of degrees of freedom. The numerical results agree very well with the analytical solutions and the results from detailed finite element analyses.     

3D non-linear time domain FEM–BEM approach to soil–structure interaction problems

Dynamic soil–structure interaction is concerned with the study of structures supported on flexible soils and subjected to dynamic actions. Methods combining the finite element method (FEM) and the boundary element method (BEM) are well suited to address dynamic soil–structure interaction problems. Hence, FEM–BEM models have been widely used. However, non-linear contact conditions and non-linear behavior of the structures have not usually been considered in the analyses. This paper presents a 3D non-linear time domain FEM–BEM numerical model designed to address soil–structure interaction problems. The BEM formulation, based on element subdivision and the constant velocity approach, was improved by using interpolation matrices. The FEM approach was based on implicit Green's functions and non-linear contact was considered at the FEM–BEM interface. Two engineering problems were studied with the proposed methodology: the propagation of waves in an elastic foundation and the dynamic response of a structure to an incident wave field.     

Diagonalization procedure for scaled boundary finite element method in modeling semi‐infinite reservoir with uniform cross‐section

To improve the ability of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) in the dynamic analysis of dam–reservoir interaction problems in the time domain, a diagonalization procedure was proposed, in which the SBFEM was used to model the reservoir with uniform cross‐section. First, SBFEM formulations in the full matrix form in the frequency and time domains were outlined to describe the semi‐infinite reservoir. No sediments and the reservoir bottom absorption were considered. Second, a generalized eigenproblem consisting of coefficient matrices of the SBFEM was constructed and analyzed to obtain corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Finally, using these eigenvalues and eigenvectors to normalize the SBFEM formulations yielded diagonal SBFEM formulations. A diagonal dynamic stiffness matrix and a diagonal dynamic mass matrix were derived. An efficient method was presented to evaluate them. In this method, no Riccati equation and Lyapunov equations needed solving and no Schur decomposition was required, which resulted in great computational costs saving. The correctness and efficiency of the diagonalization procedure were verified by numerical examples in the frequency and time domains, but the diagonalization procedure is only applicable for the SBFEM formulation whose scaling center is located at infinity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Representation of singular fields without asymptotic enrichment in the extended finite element method

In this paper, we replace the asymptotic enrichments around the crack tip in the extended finite element method (XFEM) with the semi‐analytical solution obtained by the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). The proposed method does not require special numerical integration technique to compute the stiffness matrix, and it improves the capability of the XFEM to model cracks in homogeneous and/or heterogeneous materials without a priori knowledge of the asymptotic solutions. A Heaviside enrichment is used to represent the jump across the discontinuity surface. We call the method as the extended SBFEM. Numerical results presented for a few benchmark problems in the context of linear elastic fracture mechanics show that the proposed method yields accurate results with improved condition number. A simple code is annexed to compute the terms in the stiffness matrix, which can easily be integrated in any existing FEM/XFEM code. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.