Rotationally invariant distortion resistant finite-elements

Cowan, T.; Coombs, W.M.

Abstract

The predictive capability of conventional iso-parametric finite-elements deteriorates with mesh distortion. In the case of geometrically non-linear analysis, changes in geometry causing severe distortion can result in negative Jacobian mapping between the local and global systems resulting in numerical breakdown. This paper presents a finite-element formulation that is resistant to irregular mesh geometries and large element distortions whilst remaining invariant to rigid body motion. The predictive capabilities of the family of finite-elements are demonstrated using a series of geometrically non-linear analyses including an elastic cantilever beam and an elasto-plastic double notched specimen.

Citation

Cowan, T., & Coombs, W. (2014). Rotationally invariant distortion resistant finite-elements. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 275, 189-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2014.02.016

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 15, 2014
• Deposit Date: Apr 15, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: May 13, 2014
• Journal: Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering
• Print ISSN: 0045-7825
• Electronic ISSN: 1879-2138
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 275
• Pages: 189-203
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2014.02.016
• Keywords: Finite-elements, Mesh distortion, Geometric non-linearity, Elasto-plasticity, Shape functions.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1435512