Numerical Methods In Computational Mechanics

This book explores the numerical algorithms underpinning modern finite element based computational mechanics software. It covers all the major numerical methods that are used in computational mechanics. It reviews the basic concepts in linear algebra and advanced matrix theory, before covering solution of systems of equations, symmetric eigenvalue solution methods, and direct integration of discrete dynamic equations of motion, illustrated with numerical examples. This book suits a graduate course in mechanics based disciplines, and will help software developers in computational mechanics. Increased understanding of the underlying numerical methods will also help practicing engineers to use the computational mechanics software more effectively.

This book explores the numerical algorithms underpinning modern finite element based computational mechanics software. It covers all the major numerical methods that are used in computational mechanics. It reviews the basic concepts in linear algebra and advanced matrix theory, before covering solution of systems of equations, symmetric eigenvalue solution methods, and direct integration of discrete dynamic equations of motion, illustrated with numerical examples. This book suits a graduate course in mechanics based disciplines, and will help software developers in computational mechanics. Increased understanding of the underlying numerical methods will also help practicing engineers to use the computational mechanics software more effectively.

Numerical simulation methods in all engineering disciplines gains more and more importance. The successful and efficient application of such tools requires certain basic knowledge about the underlying numerical techniques. The text gives a practice-oriented introduction in modern numerical methods as they typically are applied in mechanical, chemical, or civil engineering. Problems from heat transfer, structural mechanics, and fluid mechanics constitute a thematical focus of the text. For the basic understanding of the topic aspects of numerical mathematics, natural sciences, computer science, and the corresponding engineering area are simultaneously important. Usually, the necessary information is distributed in different textbooks from the individual disciplines. In the present text the subject matter is presented in a comprehensive multidisciplinary way, where aspects from the different fields are treated insofar as it is necessary for general understanding. Overarching aspects and important questions related to accuracy, efficiency, and cost effectiveness are discussed. The topics are presented in an introductory manner, such that besides basic mathematical standard knowledge in analysis and linear algebra no further prerequisites are necessary. The book is suitable either for self-study or as an accompanying textbook for corresponding lectures. It can be useful for students of engineering disciplines as well as for computational engineers in industrial practice.

Computational Mechanics of Composite Materials lays stress on the advantages of combining theoretical advancements in applied mathematics and mechanics with the probabilistic approach to experimental data in meeting the practical needs of engineers. Features: Programs for the probabilistic homogenisation of composite structures with finite numbers of components allow composites to be treated as homogeneous materials with simpler behaviours. Treatment of defects in the interfaces within heterogeneous materials and those arising in composite objects as a whole by stochastic modelling. New models for the reliability of composite structures. Novel numerical algorithms for effective Monte-Carlo simulation. Computational Mechanics of Composite Materials will be of interest to academic and practising civil, mechanical, electronic and aerospatial engineers, to materials scientists and to applied mathematicians requiring accurate and usable models of the behaviour of composite materials.

This volume presents an introduction to the three numerical methods most commonly used in the mechanical analysis of deformable solids, viz. the finite element method (FEM), the linear iteration method (LIM), and the finite difference method (FDM). The book has been written from the point of view of simplicity and unity; its originality lies in the comparable emphasis given to the spatial, temporal and nonlinear dimensions of problem solving. This leads to a neat global algorithm. Chapter 1 addresses the problem of a one-dimensional bar, with emphasis being given to the virtual work principle. Chapters 2--4 present the three numerical methods. Although the discussion relates to a one-dimensional model, the formalism used is extendable to two-dimensional situations. Chapter 5 is devoted to a detailed discussion of the compact combination of the three methods, and contains several sections concerning their computer implementation. Finally, Chapter 6 gives a generalization to two and three dimensions of both the mechanical and numerical aspects. For graduate students and researchers whose work involves the theory and application of computational solid mechanics.

The book examines innovative numerical methods for computational solid and fluid mechanics that can be used to model complex problems in engineering. It also presents innovative and promising simulation methods, including the fundamentals of these methods, as well as advanced topics and complex applications. Further, the book explores how numerical simulations can significantly reduce the number of time-consuming and expensive experiments required, and can support engineering decisions by providing data that would be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain experimentally. It also includes chapters covering topics such as particle methods addressing particle-based materials and numerical methods that are based on discrete element formulations; fictitious domain methods; phase field models; computational fluid dynamics based on modern finite volume schemes; hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin methods; and non-intrusive coupling methods for structural models.

This work gives a modern, up-to-date account of recent developments in computational multiscale mechanics. Both upscaling and concurrent computing methodologies will be addressed for a range of application areas in computational solid and fluid mechanics: Scale transitions in materials, turbulence in fluid-structure interaction problems, multiscale/multilevel optimization, multiscale poromechanics. A Dutch-German research group that consists of qualified and well-known researchers in the field has worked for six years on the topic of computational multiscale mechanics. This text provides a unique opportunity to consolidate and disseminate the knowledge gained in this project. The addition of chapters written by experts outside this working group provides a broad and multifaceted view of this rapidly evolving field.

In the dynamic digital age, the widespread use of computers has transformed engineering and science. A realistic and successful solution of an engineering problem usually begins with an accurate physical model of the problem and a proper understanding of the assumptions employed. With computers and appropriate software we can model and analyze complex physical systems and problems. However, efficient and accurate use of numerical results obtained from computer programs requires considerable background and advanced working knowledge to avoid blunders and the blind acceptance of computer results. This book provides the background and knowledge necessary to avoid these pitfalls, especially the most commonly used numerical methods employed in the solution of physical problems. It offers an in-depth presentation of the numerical methods for scales from nano to macro in nine self-contained chapters with extensive problems and up-to-date references, covering: Trends and new developments in simulation and computation Weighted residuals methods Finite difference methods Finite element methods Finite strip/layer/prism methods Boundary element methods Meshless methods Molecular dynamics Multiphysics problems Multiscale methods