Comparison of Field Transfer Methods between two meshes

In many cases, the numerical computation of mechanical problem with Finite Element Method has to transfer some information between two different meshes. For example, if a remeshing is needed or if several meshes are used (e.g. one for a thermal problem and another one for a mechanical problem). In spite of the research on the Transfer Methods, none of them has been so far clearly established as the best. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Many problems can happen during the field transfer, like the minimization of the numerical diffusion, the value of the field on the boundaries, etc. This paper compares on the one hand the performances of the Field Transfer Method by classical interpolation with on the other hand one using Mortar Elements. The comparison of the two methods is based on two indicators: the numerical diffusion and the evaluation of the field on the boundaries. In this paper, only the continuous fields are considered

A variational framework for nonlinear viscoelastic models in finite deformation regime

International audienceThis work presents a general framework for constitutive viscoelastic models in the finite deformation regime. The approach is qualified as variational since the constitutive updates consist of a minimization problem within each load increment. The set of internal variables is strain-based and uses a multiplicative decomposition of strain in elastic and viscous components. Spectral decomposition is explored in order to accommodate, into analytically tractable expressions, a wide set of specific models. Moreover, it is shown that, through appropriate choices of the constitutive potentials, the proposed formulation is able to reproduce results obtained elsewhere in the literature. Finally, numerical examples are included to illustrate the characteristics of the present formulation. MSC: 74C20; 74D10; 74S05; 35J5

A Study For Efficiently Solving Optimisation Problems With An Increasing Number Of Design Variables

Coupling optimisation algorithms to Finite Element Methods (FEM) is a very promising way to achieve optimal metal forming processes. However, many optimisation algorithms exist and it is not clear which of these algorithms to use. This paper investigates the sensitivity of a Sequential Approximate Optimisation algorithm (SAO) proposed in [1-4] to an increasing number of design variables and compares it with two other algorithms: an Evolutionary Strategy (ES) and an Evolutionary version of the SAO (ESAO). In addition, it observes the influence of different Designs Of Experiments used with the SAO. It is concluded that the SAO is very capable and efficient and its combination with an ES is not beneficial. Moreover, the use of SAO with Fractional Factorial Design is the most efficient method, rather than Full Factorial Design as proposed in [1-4]

Automatic time stepping algorithms for implicit numerical simulations of blade/casing interactions

peer reviewedAn automatic time stepping algorithm for non-linear problems, solved by implicit schemes, is presented. The time step computation is based on the estimation of an integration error calculated from the acceleration difference. It is normalised according to the size of the problem and the integration parameters. This time step control algorithm modifies the time step size only if the problem has a long time physical change. Additionally, the Hessian matrix can be kept constant for several iterations, even though the problem is non-linear. A criterion selecting if the Hessian matrix must be calculated or not is developed. Finally, a criterion of iterations divergence is also proposed. It avoids the determination, by the user, of a maximal iteration number. This minimises the total number of iterations, and thus the computation cost. Industrial numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the performances (precision and computational cost) of the algorithms

Détermination automatique de la taille du pas de temps pour les schémas implicites en dynamique non-linéaire

Pour les problèmes caractérisés par de fortes non-linéarités, ainsi que des phénomènes d'impacts et de contacts, une stratégie d'intégration à pas de temps variables est particulièrement intéressante. Ces phénomènes sont par exemple rencontrés lors de l'étude dynamique d'une interaction aube-carter d'un moteur d'avion, le cas le plus critique étant la perte de l'aube. Une stratégie d'intégration implicite à pas de temps constant donne rarement satisfaction du fait qu'il est pratiquement impossible de déterminer une durée de pas qui ne conduise pas à la divergence ou à un coût de calcul prohibitif. Une gestion automatique du pas de temps, qui tient compte de l'histoire récente des accélérations dans le corps considéré, est proposée. En fait, l'algorithme est basé sur la mesure de l'erreur d'intégration des équations d'équilibre. Cela permet d'intégrer correctement les phénomènes transitoires avec un pas de temps très long (en régime) ou très petit (lors de la perte d'aube), en garantissant une bonne précision en un temps de calcul raisonnable. De plus, un algorithme qui décide automatiquement de recalculer ou non, la matrice hessienne est proposé. Cet algorithme permet d'éviter un nombre important de remises à jour de cette matrice, ce qui permet de réduire le coût de calcul tout en assurant la convergence. Enfin, un critère de divergence des itérations est proposé. Afin d'illustrer l'efficacité des algorithmes développés, des simulations numériques sont présentées. Il s'agit aussi bien de problèmes académiques que de problèmes industriels (contacts aubes carter)

On some drawbacks and possible improvements of a lagrangian finite element approach for simulating incompressible flows

In this paper a Lagrangian finite element approach for the simulation of incompressible flows is presented, based on the so-called Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). The spatial discretization and the definition of the boundary terms are discussed in detail with a specific focus on free-surface flows. Additionally, some problems that can arise from the use of such a method are pointed out. Some numerical examples are given and discussed in the last section of the paper

Comparison of residual stresses on long rolled profiles measured by X-ray diffraction,ring core and the sectioning methods and simulated by FE method

Sheet piles are produced by hot rolling, a cooling step and, if required, by a straightening operation. Numerical simulations indicate that the stress field is almost homogeneous through the thickness, justifying the comparison of X-ray diffraction, ring core and the sectioning methods applied after the cooling step and after the straightening process. The equipment, the steps of the experimental procedures and the results are detailed, showing the limits, the specificities and the advantages of each method. Moreover, the amplitude and the distribution of the stresses along the width of the sections present good agreement with results of numerical simulations