Possibilities of parallel computing in the finite element analysis of industrial forming processes

The paper presents an overview of the possibilities of parallel computing for the analysis of industrial forming processes using the finite element method. The theoretical and computational aspects of the various finite element formulations are presented in some detail as well as the different strategies for parallehzation of the solver, the mesh generation, the error simulation and the mesh adaption modules. Some examples of parallel analysis of powder compaction and sheet stamping processes using parallel finite element codes developed at CIMNE are finally presented

On the stabilization of numerical solution for advective-diffusive transport and fluid flow problems

The concept of the so called “artificial or balancing diffusion” used to stabilize the numerical solution of advective diffusive transport and fluid flow problems is revised in this paper. It is shown that the standard forms of the balancing diffusion terms, usually chosen in a heuristic manner, can be naturally found by introducing higher order approximations in the derivation of the governing differential equations via standard conservation (or equilibrium) principles. This allows us to reinterprete many stabilization algorithms and concepts used in every day practice by numerical analysts and also provides an expression for computing the stabilization parameter

Finite increment calculus (FIC). A framework for deriving enhanced computational methods in mechanics

In this paper we present an overview of the possibilities of the finite increment calculus (FIC) approach for deriving computational methods in mechanics with improved numerical properties for stability and accuracy. The basic concepts of the FIC procedure are presented in its application to problems of advection-diffusion-reaction, fluid mechanics and fluid-structure interaction solved with the finite element method (FEM). Examples of the good features of the FIC/FEM technique for solving some of these problems are given. A brief outline of the possibilities of the FIC/FEM approach for error estimation and mesh adaptivity is given

Nodally exact Ritz discretizations of 1D diffusion–absorption and Helmholtz equations by variational FIC and modified equation methods

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00466-005-0011-zThis article presents the first application of the Finite Calculus (FIC) in a Ritz-FEM variational framework. FIC provides a steplength parametrization of mesh dimensions, which is used to modify the shape functions. This approach is applied to the FEM discretization of the steady-state, one-dimensional, diffusion–absorption and Helmholtz equations. Parametrized linear shape functions are directly inserted into a FIC functional. The resulting Ritz-FIC equations are symmetric and carry a element-level free parameter coming from the function modification process. Both constant- and variable-coefficient cases are studied. It is shown that the parameter can be used to produce nodally exact solutions for the constant coefficient case. The optimal value is found by matching the finite-order modified differential equation (FOMoDE) of the Ritz-FIC equations with the original field equation. The inclusion of the Ritz-FIC models in the context of templates is examined. This inclusion shows that there is an infinite number of nodally exact models for the constant coefficient case. The ingredients of these methods (FIC, Ritz, MoDE and templates) can be extended to multiple dimensions.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Predicció de vida en estructures. Estudi i tractament de la durabilitat estructural. Una ressenya breu

Aquest treball és una ressenya breu sobre el problema de la predicció de vida, o estudi de la durabilitat, dels materials estructurals sotmesos a accions mecàniques, tèrmiques i químiques. Aquest article està enfocat a les tècniques numèriques i ressalta la potencialitat d'aquest tipus d'eina en l'estudi d'estructures sotmeses a fenòmens altament complexos i acoblats

Discrete/finite element modelling of rock cutting with a TBM disc cutter

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-1133-7This paper presents advanced computer simulation of rock cutting process typical for excavation works in civil engineering. Theoretical formulation of the hybrid discrete/finite element model has been presented. The discrete and finite element methods have been used in different subdomains of a rock sample according to expected material behaviour, the part which is fractured and damaged during cutting is discretized with the discrete elements while the other part is treated as a continuous body and it is modelled using the finite element method. In this way, an optimum model is created, enabling a proper representation of the physical phenomena during cutting and efficient numerical computation. The model has been applied to simulation of the laboratory test of rock cutting with a single TBM (tunnel boring machine) disc cutter. The micromechanical parameters have been determined using the dimensionless relationships between micro- and macroscopic parameters. A number of numerical simulations of the LCM test in the unrelieved and relieved cutting modes have been performed. Numerical results have been compared with available data from in-situ measurements in a real TBM as well as with the theoretical predictions showing quite a good agreement. The numerical model has provided a new insight into the cutting mechanism enabling us to investigate the stress and pressure distribution at the tool–rock interaction. Sensitivity analysis of rock cutting performed for different parameters including disc geometry, cutting velocity, disc penetration and spacing has shown that the presented numerical model is a suitable tool for the design and optimization of rock cutting process.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Life prediction of structures. Numerical study and treatment of structural durability, a brief report

This work is a brief report about the problem of life -or, durability study- of structural materials, undergoing mechanical, thermal and chemical actions. This document is approached from numerical techniques and, it highlights the potential of these types of tools un the study of structures undergoing very complex and coupled phenomena

An advancing front point generation technique

An algorithm to construct boundary‐conforming, isotropic clouds of points with variable density in space is described. The input required consists of a specified mean point distance and an initial triangulation of the surface. Borrowing a key concept from advancing front grid generators, one point at a time is removed and, if possible, surrounded by admissible new points. This operation is repeated until no active points are left. Timings show that the scheme is about an order of magnitude faster than volume grid generators based on the advancing front technique, making it possible to generate large (>106) yet optimal clouds of points in a matter of minutes on a workstation. Several examples are included that demonstrate the capabilities of the technique.&nbsp

Variational formulation of the finite calculus equations in solid mechanics and diffusion-reaction problems

We present a variational formulation of the finite calculus (FIC) equations for problems in mechanics governed by differential equations with symmetric operators. Applications considered include solid mechanics, diffusion-transport and diffusion-reaction problems. The key of the variational formulation is the identification of the FIC governing equations with the classical differential equations of mechanics written in terms of modified non-local variables. A total potential energy (TPE) functional is found in terms of the modified variables. The FIC equations in the domain and the boundary are recovered as the Euler-Lagrange equations and the natural boundary condition of the TPE functional, respectively. Symmetric finite element equations are obtained after discretization of the TPE functional, therefore preserving the symmetry of the governing infinitesimal equations. The variational FIC expression is reinterpreted as a Petrov Galerkin weighted residual form of the original FIC equations with non-local weighting functions. The analogy of the variational FIC-FEM formulation with a discontinuous Galerkin method is recognized. Extensions to multidimensional linear elastostatics and diffusion-reaction problems are presented