Overview
- Stability of finite elements in finite deformation problems
- Locking in the nonlinear regime
- Capturing physical instabilities
Project description
The finite element method is a well-established numerical method for the solution of various problems in mechanics, as for instance to determine the response of an elastic body due to external loads. A common problem is the appearance of locking effects, which often results in an overly stiff structural response. While for linear problems many well performing elements have been developed, there are still open questions concerning nonlinear elements for finite deformation problems. The aim of this project is the analysis of the locking phenomena in the nonlinear regime and the development of novel nonlinear finite element formulations.
Locking in the nonlinear regime
Another focus of the project is a systematic investigation of the influence of the geometrically nonlinear parts of the tangent stiffness matrix, namely the initial displacement stiffness and the geometric stiffness on the locking behaviour. Furthermore, the behaviour of elements, which perform well in the linear regime is investigated in the nonlinear context.
Stability of finite elements
Many locking-free elements which are known to be stable for linear problems show undesired artificial numerical instabilities (“hourglassing”) in the finite deformation range. In addition, (real) physical instabilities can occur in nonlinear problems. For the development of new finite elements it is crucial to eliminate the numerical instabilities but simultaneously be able to capture the physical instabilities accurately.
Project data
Project title:
Adaptive, deformation-dependent finite element formulations for stable and locking-free analysis of large deformation problems
Funding:
German Research Foundation (DFG), Research Grant BI 722/11-1, GEPRIS project number 299369509
Publications
- Bieber, S. (2024). Locking and hourglassing in nonlinear finite element technology [Doktorarbeit, Bericht Nr. 76. Institut für Baustatik und Baudynamik der Universität Stuttgart]. https://doi.org/10.18419/opus-14214