{"title":"Coupling of finite and boundary element methods for contact analysis of dielectric solids immersed in electrostatic medium","authors":"Moonhong Kim, Dongwoo Sohn","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces a novel approach for analyzing the frictionless two-dimensional contact between dielectric solids in an electrostatic medium. This analysis is achieved by combining the finite element and boundary element methods. The finite elements model elastic dielectric solids undergoing geometrically nonlinear mechanical deformation and electric polarization. We present a finite element-based contact formulation to address the electromechanical contact between dielectric solids. To enforce the contact condition, we employ the nested augmented Lagrangian method. In contrast, the boundary element method is applied to consider the electrostatic medium surrounding the dielectric solids. The boundary elements are coupled with the finite elements on the surfaces of the dielectric solids. This coupling and elaborate treatment of transition zones between contacting and non-contacting solid surfaces ensures accurate capture of electrical interactions along all boundaries. Our proposed method successfully passes a contact patch test even with non-matching meshes. To further validate the effectiveness of our approach, we provide numerical examples that explore the impact of piezoelectricity and flexoelectricity. These examples demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107591"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142841192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nonlinear finite element analysis of layered steel fiber reinforced concrete beams","authors":"Anas M.H. Fares, Burcu Burak Bakir","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the effect of fiber properties and SFRC layer thickness on the flexural behavior of layered beams that undergo both compression and tension failures. Four specimens tested in a prior experimental study are modeled utilizing nonlinear finite element software ABAQUS, and numerical results are verified by comparison with experimental results. Contrary to existing nonlinear models, developed model accurately predicts damage pattern, descending portion of the load–displacement relationship, and ultimate displacement, which results in an accurate estimation of energy dissipation capacity and ductility. Moreover, a comprehensive parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of tension reinforcement ratio, fiber volume fraction, fiber aspect ratio, and SFRC layer thickness on flexural behavior. Numerical results verify the improvement of beam flexural behavior by increasing SFRC layer thickness and indicate the significance of defining a minimum layer thickness. If the SFRC layer has a thickness lower than 40% of beam depth, there is only limited improvement in the behavior even for fibers with high aspect ratios. In contrast to SFRC beams, layered SFRC beams with up to 1.5% steel fibers exhibit a minor increase in the load carrying capacity, while ductility and energy dissipation capacity significantly improve with increasing layer thickness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107637"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142884396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tongxing Zuo , Haitao Han , Qianglong Wang , Qiangwei Zhao , Zhenyu Liu
{"title":"An explicit topology and thickness control approach in SIMP-based topology optimization","authors":"Tongxing Zuo , Haitao Han , Qianglong Wang , Qiangwei Zhao , Zhenyu Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107631","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107631","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In order to improve the topology optimization results for the requirements such as manufacturability and functionality, and to strengthen the link between structural topology optimization and computational topology, this paper measures the topology and thickness of the structure using topological invariants (i.e., Euler characteristic and Betti numbers) in the computational topology. Based on set theory, explicit relationships between structural topology/thickness and design variables are established, leading to the construction of solid and void constraints. These two constraints are then integrated into the SIMP-based topology optimization framework to control the minimum/maximum solid thickness and minimum void thickness while keeping the structural topology unchanged during topology optimization process. 2D and 3D numerical examples demonstrate that the new approach does have the capability to give a complete control of the topology and thickness of the optimal structure in an explicit way.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107631"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142841189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advanced 3D Hamiltonian nodal position finite element method for nonlinear dynamic analysis of rotating solids","authors":"Fuzhen Yao , Chaofeng Li , Zheng H. Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107634","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107634","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper develops a novel 3D brick element by Nodal Position Finite Element Method (NPFEM) to effectively model rotating solids. It uses nodal positions instead of nodal displacements to formulate element’s strain and kinetic energies. This approach effectively avoids computational errors caused by spurious strains induced by large rigid-body rotations and can automatically account for stiffening effects arising from centrifugal forces. By directly solving for the positions of rotating elastic solids using Hamiltonian canonical equations, the new 3D NPFEM brick element allows elastic deformation to be efficiently and accurately extracted by subtracting the rigid-body motion from these positions. Additionally, the ability of the new 3D NPFEM brick element to model bending deformation is enhanced by directly introducing incompatible modes into the element shape functions. Numerical validation shows that the new 3D NPFEM brick element accurately models and analyzes the elastic deformation of rotating blades. It automatically captures nonlinear frequency responses of rotating solids without requiring special boundary and loading condition treatments commonly used in classic FEM. This advancement offers significant advantages by avoiding errors when modeling complex rotating solids or machines, thereby improving computational efficiency and accuracy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107634"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142884392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carmelo Rosario Vindigni , Giuseppe Mantegna , Calogero Orlando , Andrea Alaimo , Marco Berci
{"title":"A refined aeroelastic beam finite element for the stability analysis of flexible subsonic wings","authors":"Carmelo Rosario Vindigni , Giuseppe Mantegna , Calogero Orlando , Andrea Alaimo , Marco Berci","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, a novel finite element approach for the computational aeroelastic analysis of flexible lifting structures in subsonic flow is presented. The numerical simulation of the fluid-structure interaction relies on the physical concept and mathematical formulation of an aeroelastic beam element, that is based on Euler-Bernoulli and De Saint-Venant theories for the structure dynamics and modified strip theory for the unsteady airload. An implementation of the unsteady vortex lattice method is used to correct standard strip theory in the time domain, considering the actual wing geometry and taking the aerodynamic effects of its sweep, aspect ratio and taper ratio into account. The effects of shed and trailed vorticity on the sectional load development and distribution are also accounted for, within a hybrid semi-analytical reduced-order aerodynamic model. Building on previous works, the present computational framework for aeroelastic modelling and simulations of flexible lifting structures is investigated and validated through a parametric stability assessment of swept tapered wings. The aeroelastic beam element proves to be an intuitive, reliable and efficient reduced-order tool, well suited for the preliminary multidisciplinary design and optimisation of flexible aircraft.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107618"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142804461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hongyu Liu , Zheng Qiu , Jun Shi , Jianhong Sun , Song Zhang
{"title":"Ground structure method-based stiffener layout topology optimization for horizontal machining center headstock cover plate","authors":"Hongyu Liu , Zheng Qiu , Jun Shi , Jianhong Sun , Song Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Structural dynamic performance of a machine tool greatly affects machining precision and productivity. One effective approach in improving the dynamic performance is by applying topology design optimization to the machine tool structure. A method based on the Ground Structure Method (GSM) is established to optimize the layout of stiffener structure. The GSM is employed for the construction of the stiffener. The optimal layout of the stiffeners is obtained by optimizing the thickness of each stiffener and penalizing intermediate thicknesses to ensure a clear layout. A topology optimization method based on maximizing the natural frequency is established to achieve maximum natural frequency design of stiffener plate. Finally, a few examples are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in enhancing the basic frequency of the structure. The method has been effectively utilized in the optimal design of the machine tool headstock cover plate. As a result, the lowest six natural frequencies of the headstock are increased by 17.83 %, 17.88 %, 5.99 %, 5.58 %, 19.52 % and 14,53 %, respectively. The new approach outlined in this paper serves as a valuable reference for optimizing the dynamic characteristics of machine tools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107633"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142884047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A space-time approach for the simulation of brittle fracture with phase-field models in elastodynamics","authors":"F.K. Feutang, S. Lejeunes, D. Eyheramendy","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A space-time approach is proposed to simulate the propagation of brittle cracks in an isotropic and elastic solid in dynamics. We adopt the so called phase-field description of crack that is based on a variational representation of fracture mechanics. Due to this variational structure, the crack initiation and propagation can be then described thanks to a well chosen potential. In this approach, we propose to consider a space-time potential to derive the appropriate Euler equations on the space-time domain. A time discontinuous Galerkin approach is used and adapted to damage and elastodynamics such as to be able to account of time singularities in the considered fields. This approach follows a previous work done on elastodynamics (see <span><span>[47]</span></span>) in which we have proposed a stabilized formulation with the help of least square terms. The proposed space-time potential is discretized with either standard finite-elements (ST-FE) or isogeometric analysis (ST-IGA). We apply this approach to different numerical examples including dynamic fragmentation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107616"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142804463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A framework for developing a machine learning-based finite element model for structural analysis","authors":"Gang Li, Rui Luo, Ding-Hao Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a machine learning-based finite element construction method (MLBFE) to predict a precise strain field with minimal nodes. The method first establishes a standardized MLBFE model via the substructure concept and the static condensation method. Then, a training data collection method involving nodal displacements and strain fields, and considering (1) boundary continuity, (2) strain field continuity, and (3) the effect of rigid body motion, is developed. Furthermore, multivariate linear regression is adopted as the strain field prediction model for the MLBFE. The stiffness matrix and restoring forces of the MLBFE are calculated by employing the principle of virtual work and considering rigid body motion. Compared with common finite element models, the MLBFE enables refined structural simulation with fewer elements and nodes, reducing the number of degrees of freedom and computational costs. Moreover, the MLBFE exhibits high generalizability because it does not rely on specific structures or materials. This paper provides a detailed establishment of MLBFE-based planar elements and investigates the impact of the elemental settings on the computational accuracy of the elastic structural response. The ability of the MLBFE for nonlinear structural analysis is also verified.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"307 ","pages":"Article 107617"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142804464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pavel Trávníček, Jiří Němeček, Tomáš Koudelka, Jaroslav Kruis
{"title":"Impact of non-local damage formulation on chloride transport modeling in concrete","authors":"Pavel Trávníček, Jiří Němeček, Tomáš Koudelka, Jaroslav Kruis","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2025.107648","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2025.107648","url":null,"abstract":"Reinforced concrete structures, such as roads and bridges, are exposed to chloride ingress, leading to steel reinforcement corrosion and reduced service life. Accurate numerical simulations of chloride ingress must account for damage caused by loading, as higher damage increases diffusion. This paper analyzes the impact of selected damage evolution laws and non-local formulations on the diffusion coefficient. The results show significant variations in load capacity (up to 20%) and damage extent (up to 72%) depending on the chosen model and averaging technique, which affects chloride diffusion modeling. Two diffusion models—Kurumatani et al. (2017) <ce:cross-ref ref>[49]</ce:cross-ref> and a new model by Trávníček et al. (2024) <ce:cross-ref ref>[52]</ce:cross-ref>—were compared for chloride penetration, with the latter validated using experimental data from a cracked reinforced concrete beam. Both diffusion models and four non-local damage variants were assessed in a Brazilian splitting test, showing differences in chloride concentration of up to 475%. This highlights the critical impact of selecting an appropriate damage model and a particular non-local formulation based on spatial averaging.","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142985988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Álvaro López Varela, Daniel Dopico Dopico, Alberto Luaces Fernández
{"title":"An analytical approach to the sensitivity analysis of semi-recursive ODE formulations for multibody dynamics","authors":"Álvaro López Varela, Daniel Dopico Dopico, Alberto Luaces Fernández","doi":"10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107642","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107642","url":null,"abstract":"Sensitivity analysis is an extremely powerful tool in many applications such as in the optimization of the dynamics of multibody systems with gradient-based methods. Sensitivity calculations are computationally burdensome and, depending on the method chosen for differentiation and the set of dynamic equations, they could result highly inefficient. Semi-recursive dynamic methods are seldom studied analytically in terms of sensitivity analysis due to their complexity, even though their dynamic performance is usually among the most efficient.","PeriodicalId":50626,"journal":{"name":"Computers & Structures","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142986328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}