Abstract

We aim at defining a semi-explicit approach to estimate the error in quantities of interest associated with the Finite Element solution of a linear elasticity problem. The advocated procedure is split in two parts, an implicit error estimate for the adjoint problem and an explicit estimate assessing the error in the direct (primal) problem. The implicit part of the estimate (on the adjoint problem) embraces two phases, each consisting in projecting the error on “bubble” functional spaces. The projections are low-cost operations due to their local nature. The two phases account the error in the interior of the elements and the contribution of the elementary edges (associated with the tractions jump). The implicit character of this part is provided by the solution of the local problems in low-dimensional functional spaces. We also analyze the particular case of selecting one-dimensional functional spaces (setting the shape of the bubble and computing a scalar coefficient), which, in practice, make this part of the process explicit. The explicit part of the estimate consists in injecting in the weak primal residual the approximation of the adjoint error obtained in the first phase. This approach is similar to the DWR method but using a weak formulation of the residual and injecting an implicitly estimated adjoint error rather than a post-processed solution. The proposed methodology is validated in a numerical example

Abstract

This work analyzes the influence of the discretization error associated with the finite element (FE) analyses of each design configuration proposed by the structural shape optimization algorithms over the behavior of the algorithm. The paper clearly shows that if FE analyses are not accurate enough, the final solution provided by the optimization algorithm will neither be optimal nor satisfy the constraints. The need for the use of adaptive FE analysis techniques in shape optimum design will be shown. The paper proposes the combination of two strategies to reduce the computational cost related to the use of mesh adaptivity in evolutionary optimization algorithms: (a) the use of an algorithm for the mesh generation by projection of the discretization error, which reduces the computational cost associated with the adaptive FE analysis of each geometrical configuration and (b) the successive increase of the required accuracy of the FE analyses in order to obtain a considerable reduction of the computational cost in the early stages of the optimization process.

Abstract

We present an efficient and reliable approach for the numerical modelling of failure with nonlocal damage models. The two major numerical challenges – the strongly nonlinear, highly localized and parameter-dependent structural response of quasi-brittle materials, and the interaction between non-adjacent finite element associated to nonlocality – are addressed in detail. Efficiency is achieved with a suitable combination of load-stepping control technique and nonlinear solver for equilibrium equations. Reliability of the numerical results is ensured by an h-adaptive strategy based on error estimation. We use a residual-type error estimator for nonlinear FE analysis based on local computations, which, at the same time, accounts for the nonlocality of damage model. The proposed approach is illustrated by means of three application examples: the three-point bending test, the single-edge notched beam and Brazilian test. In addition, we present a new nonlocal damage model based on nonlocal displacements. Its good qualitative behaviour and attractive numerical properties are discussed and illustrated by means of a uniaxial tension test.

Abstract

In this work we present a general error estimator for the finite element solution of solid mechanics problems based on the Variational Multiscale method. The main idea is to consider a rich model for the subgrid scales as an error estimator. The subscales are considered to belong to a space orthogonal to the finite element space (Orthogonal Subgrid Scales) and we take into account their contribution both in the element interiors and on the element boundaries (Subscales on the Element Boundaries). A simple analysis shows that the upper bound for the obtained error estimator is sharper than in other error estimators based on the Variational Multiscale Method. Numerical examples show that the proposed error estimator is an accurate approximation for the energy norm error and can be used both in simple linear constitutive models and in more complex non-linear cases.

Abstract

An a-posteriori error estimate with application to inviscid compressible flow problems is presented. The estimate is a surrogate measure of the discretization error, obtained from an approximation to the truncation terms of the governing equations. This approximation is calculated from the discrete nodal differential residuals using a reconstructed solution field on a modified stencil of points. Both the error estimation methodology and the flow solution scheme are implemented using the Finite Point Method, a meshless technique enabling higher-order approximations and reconstruction procedures on general unstructured discretizations. The performance of the proposed error indicator is studied and applications to adaptive grid refinement are presented.

Abstract

This paper presents a formulation for the obtainment of the sensitivity analysis of a point wise error estimator with respect to the nodal coordinates using the adjoint state method. The proposed point wise error estimator is based on the SPR method.

The numerical accuracy of the presented sensitivity analysis has been tested by perturbing a mesh. The capability of the presented sensitivity analysis for the detection of pollution error has also been tested.

A new adaptive remeshing strategy based on the sensitivity analysis of the point wise error estimation has been developed and tested. This strategy produces very cheap meshes for the accurate evaluation of stresses at specific points.

Abstract

Nonlocal damage models are typically used to model failure of quasi-brittle materials. Due to brittleness, the choice of a particular model or set of parameters can have a crucial influence on the structural response. To assess this influence, it is essential to keep finite element discretization errors under control. If not, the effect of these errors on the result of a computation could be erroneously interpreted from a constitutive viewpoint. To ensure the quality of the FE solution, an adaptive strategy based on error estimation is proposed here. It is based on the combination of a residual-type error estimator and quadrilateral h-remeshing. Another important consequence of brittleness is that it leads to structural responses of the snap-through or snap-back type. This requires the use of arc-length control, with a definition of the arc parameter that accounts for the localized nature of quasi-brittle failure. All these aspects are discussed for two particular nonlocal damage models (Mazars and modified von Mises) and for two tests: the Brazilian tensile splitting test and the single-edge notched beam test. For the latter test, the capability of the Mazars model to capture the curved crack pattern observed in experiments – a topic of debate in the literature – is confirmed.

Abstract

An adaptive finite element strategy for nonlocal damage computations is presented. The proposed approach is based on the combination of a residual-type error estimator and quadrilateral h-remeshing. A distinctive feature of the error estimator is that it consists in solving simple local problems over elements and so-called patches. The paper focuses on how the nonlocality of the constitutive model should be accounted for when solving these local problems. It is shown that the nonlocal damage models must be slightly modified. The resulting adaptive strategy is illustrated by means of some numerical examples involving the single-edge notched beam test.

Abstract

An adaptive strategy for nonlinear finite-element analysis, based on the combination of error estimation and h-remeshing, is presented. Its two main ingredients are a residual-type error estimator and an unstructured quadrilateral mesh generator. The error estimator is based on simple local computations over the elements and the so-called patches. In contrast to other residual estimators, no flux splitting is required. The adaptive strategy is illustrated by means of a complex nonlinear problem: the failure analysis of a single-edge notched beam. The quasi-brittle response of concrete is modelled by means of a nonlocal damage model.