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Bridging multiple structural scales with a generalized finite element method
Author(s) -
Plews J.A.,
Duarte C.A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.4703
Subject(s) - finite element method , bridging (networking) , scale (ratio) , partition (number theory) , partition of unity , computer science , mathematical optimization , focus (optics) , interdependence , flexibility (engineering) , mathematics , algorithm , structural engineering , engineering , physics , computer network , optics , quantum mechanics , combinatorics , law , political science , statistics
Summary This paper presents a generalized FEM based on the solution of interdependent coarse‐scale (global) and fine‐scale (local) problems in order to resolve multiscale effects due to fine‐scale heterogeneities. Overall structural behavior is captured by the global problem, while local problems focus on the resolution of fine‐scale solution features in regions where material heterogeneities may govern the structural response. Fine‐scale problems are accurately solved in parallel, and, to address the intrinsic coupling of scales, these solutions are embedded into the global solution space using a partition of unity approach. This method is demonstrated on representative heat transfer examples in order to examine its accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.