Precision of meshfree methods and application to forward modeling of two-dimensional electromagnetic sources

Meshfree method offers high accuracy and computational capability and constructs the shape function without relying on predefined elements. We comparatively analyze the global weak form meshfree methods, such as element-free Galerkin method （EFGM）, the point interpolation method （PIM）, and the radial point interpolation method （RPIM）. Taking two dimensional Poisson equation as an example, we discuss the support-domain dimensionless size, the field nodes, and background element settings with respect to their effect on calculation accuracy of the meshfree method. RPIM and EFGM are applied to controlled- source two-dimensional electromagnetic modeling with fixed shape parameters. The accuracy of boundary conditions imposed directly and by a penalty function are discussed in the case of forward modeling of two-dimensional magnetotellurics in a homogeneous medium model. The coupling algorithm of EFG-PIM and EFG-RPIM are generated by integrating the PIM or RPIM and EFGM. The results of the numerical modeling suggest the following. First, the proposed meshfree method and corresponding coupled methods are well-suited for electromagnetic numerical modeling. The accuracy of the algorithm is the highest when the support-domain dimensionless size is 1.0 and the distribution of field nodes is consistent with the nodes of background elements. Second, the accuracy of PIM and RPIM are lower than that of EFGM for the Poisson equation but higher than EFGM for the homogeneous medium MT response. Third, RPIM overcomes the matrix inversion problem of PIM and has a wider selection of support-domain dimensionless sizes as compared to RPIM.

A meshfree-based local Galerkin method with condensation of degree of freedom for elastic dynamic analysis

Condensation technique of degree of freedom is first proposed to improve the computational efficiency of meshfree method with Galerkin weak form for elastic dy- namic analysis. In the present method, scattered nodes with- out connectivity are divided into several subsets by cells with arbitrary shape. Local discrete equation is established over each cell by using moving Kriging interpolation, in which the nodes that located in the cell are used for approxima- tion. Then local discrete equations can be simplified by con- densation of degree of freedom, which transfers equations of inner nodes to equations of boundary nodes based on cells. The global dynamic system equations are obtained by as- sembling all local discrete equations and are solved by using the standard implicit Newmark＇s time integration scheme. In the scheme of present method, the calculation of each cell is carried out by meshfree method, and local search is imple- mented in interpolation. Numerical examples show that the present method has high computational efficiency and good accuracy in solving elastic dynamic problems.

Simulation of Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Confined Aquifer Using a Point Collocation Method Based Meshfree Model

Seawater intrusion caused by groundwater over-exploitation from coastal aquifers poses a severe problem in many regions. Formulation of proper pumping strategy using a simulation model can assure sustainable supply of fresh water from the coastal aquifers. The focus of the present study is on the development of a numerical model based on Meshfree (MFree) method to study the seawater intrusion problem. For the simulation of seawater intrusion problem, widely used models are based on Finite Difference (FDM) and Finite Element (FEM) Methods, which demand well defined grids/meshes and considerable pre-processing efforts. Here, MFree Point Collocation Method (PCM) based on the Radial Basis Function (RBF) is proposed for the simulation. Diffusive interface approach with density-dependent dispersion and solution of flow and solute transport is adopted. These equations are solved using PCM with appropriate boundary conditions. The developed model has been verified with Henry’s problem, and found to be satisfactory. Further the model has been applied to another established problem and an attempt is made to examine the influence of important system parameters including pumping and recharge on the seawater intrusion. The PCM based MFree model is found computationally efficient as preprocessing is avoided when compared to other numerical methods.

A Size-Dependent Functionally Graded Higher Order Plate Analysis Based on Modified Couple Stress Theory and Moving Kriging Meshfree Method

A size-dependent computational approach for bending,free vibration and buckling analyses of isotropic and sandwich functionally graded(FG)microplates is in this study presented.We consider both shear deformation and small scale effects through the generalized higher order shear deformation theory and modified couple stress theory(MCST).The present model only retains a single material length scale parameter for capturing properly size effects.A rule of mixture is used to model material properties varying through the thickness of plates.The principle of virtual work is used to derive the discrete system equations which are approximated by moving Kriging interpolation(MKI)meshfree method.Numerical examples consider the inclusions of geometrical parameters,volume fraction,boundary conditions and material length scale parameter.Reliability and effectiveness of the present method are confirmed through numerical results.

Computational Study of Collective Cell Migration By Meshfree Method

The collective cell migration behavior on a substrate was studied using RKPM meshfree method.The cells were modeled as nematic liquid crystal with hyperelastic cell nucleus.The cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions were modeled by coarse-grained potential forces.Through this study,the pulling and pushing phenomenon during collective cell migration process was observed and it was found that the individual cell mobility significantly influenced the collective cell migratory behavior.More self-propelled cells are in the system along the same direction,the faster the collective group migrates toward coordinated direction.The parametric study on cell-cell adhesion strength indicated that as the adhesion strength increases,the collective cell migration speed increases.It also showed that the mechanical stress in leader cell is higher than stress in follower cells.

MESHFREE METHOD BASED ON POINT COLLOCATION FOR METAL FORMING SIMULATION

A meshfree method based on reproducing kernel approximation and point collocation is presented for analysis of metal ring compression. The point collocation method is a true meshfree method without the employment of a background mesh. It is shown that, in a point collocation approach, the remesh problem because of the mesh distortion in FEM （finite element method） and the low efficiency in Galerkin-based meshfree method are avoided. The corrected kernel functions are introduced to the stabilization of free-surface boundary conditions. The solution of symmetric ring compression problem is compared with a conventional finite element solution, and reasonable results have been obtained.

ICM Method Combined with Meshfree Approximation for Continuum Structure

The independent continuous mapping（ICM） method is integrated into element free Galerkin method and a new implementation of topology optimization for continuum structure is presented.To facilitate the enforcement of the essential boundary condition and derivative of various sensitivities,a singular weight function in element free Galerkin method is introduced.Material point variable is defined to illustrate the condition of material point and its vicinity instead of element or node.The topological variables field is constructed by moving least square approximation which inherits the continuity and smoothness of the weight function.Due to reciprocal relationships between the topological variables and design variables,various structural responses sensitivities are derived according to the method for calculating the partial derivatives of compound functions.Numerical examples indicate that checkerboard pattern and mesh-dependence phenomena are overcome without additional restriction methods.

A meshfree method and its applications to elasto-plastic problems

Standard finite element approaches are still ineffective in handling extreme material deformation, such as cases of large deformations and moving discontinuities due to severe mesh distortion. Among meshfree methods developed to overcome the ineffectiveness, Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM) has demonstrated its great suitability for structural analysis.This paper presents applications of RKPM in elasto-plastic problems after a review of meshfree methods and an introduction to RKPM. A slope stability problem in geotechnical engineering is analyzed as an illustrative case. The corresponding numerical simulations are carried out on an SGI Onyx3900 supercomputer. Comparison of the RKPM and the FEM under identical conditions showed that the RKPM is more suitable for problems where there exists extremely large strain such as in the case of slope sliding.

Factors affecting accuracy of radial point interpolation meshfree method for 3-D solid mechanics

Recently,the radial point interpolation meshfree method has gained popularity owing to its advantages in large deformation and discontinuity problems,however,the accuracy of this method depends on many factors and their influences are not fully investigated yet.In this work,three main factors,i.e.,the shape parameters,the influence domain size,and the nodal distribution,on the accuracy of the radial point interpolation method(RPIM)are systematically studied and conclusive results are obtained.First,the effect of shape parameters(R,q)of the multi-quadric basis function on the accuracy of RPIM is examined via global search.A new interpolation error index,closely related to the accuracy of RPIM,is proposed.The distribution of various error indexes on the R q plane shows that shape parameters q[1.2,1.8]and R[0,1.5]can give good results for general 3-D analysis.This recommended range of shape parameters is examined by multiple benchmark examples in 3D solid mechanics.Second,through numerical experiments,an average of 30 40 nodes in the influence domain of a Gauss point is recommended for 3-D solid mechanics.Third,it is observed that the distribution of nodes has significant effect on the accuracy of RPIM although it has little effect on the accuracy of interpolation.Nodal distributions with better uniformity give better results.Furthermore,how the influence domain size and nodal distribution affect the selection of shape parameters and how the nodal distribution affects the choice of influence domain size are also discussed.

Meshfree Finite Volume Element Method for Constrained Optimal Control Problem Governed by Random Convection Diffusion Equations

In this paper,we investigate a stochastic meshfree finite volume element method for an optimal control problem governed by the convection diffusion equations with random coefficients.There are two contributions of this paper.Firstly,we establish a scheme to approximate the optimality system by using the finite volume element method in the physical space and the meshfree method in the probability space,which is competitive for high-dimensional random inputs.Secondly,the a priori error estimates are derived for the state,the co-state and the control variables.Some numerical tests are carried out to confirm the theoretical results and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.

An efficient Galerkin meshfree formulation for shear deformable beam under finite deformation

This paper proposes a geometrically nonlinear total Lagrangian Galerkin meshfree formulation based on the stabilized conforming nodal integration for efficient analysis of shear deformable beam.The present nonlinear analysis encompasses the fully geometric nonlinearities due to large deflection,large deformation as well as finite rotation.The incremental equilibrium equation is obtained by the consistent linearization of the nonlinear variational equation.The Lagrangian meshfree shape function is utilized to discretize the variational equation.Subsequently to resolve the shear and membrane locking issues and accelerate the computation,the method of stabilized conforming nodal integration is systematically implemented through the Lagrangian gradient smoothing operation.Numerical results reveal that the present formulation is very effective.

A Novel Meshfree Analysis of Transient Heat Conduction Problems Using RRKPM

By introducing the radial basis functions(RBFs)into the reproducing kernel particle method(RKPM),the calculating accuracy and stability of the RKPM can be improved,and a novel meshfree method of the radial basis RKPM(meshfree RRKPM)is proposed.Meanwhile,the meshfree RRKPM is applied to transient heat conduction problems(THCP),and the corresponding equations of the meshfree RRKPM for the THCP are derived.The twopoint time difference scheme is selected to discretize the time of the THCP.Finally,the numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of the meshfree RRKPM for the THCP.

Meshfree First-order System Least Squares

We prove convergence for a meshfree first-order system least squares(FOSLS) partition of unity finite element method(PUFEM).Essentially,by virtue of the partition of unity,local approximation gives rise to global approximation in H(div)∩H(curl). The FOSLS formulation yields local a posteriori error estimates to guide the judicious allotment of new degrees of freedom to enrich the initial point set in a meshfree dis- cretization.Preliminary numerical results are provided and remaining challenges are discussed.

基于MIDAS MeshFree的门式起重机结构分析

介绍了隐式边界法基本原理和MIDAS MeshFree软件特点,以480 t-146 m门式起重机为建模对象,在不进行模型简化和网格划分的条件下,对其进行强度和刚度计算,得到在自重工况下门式起重机主梁的挠度以及工况501下主梁跨中最大Von-mises应力,以判断门式起重机结构的合理性。MIDAS MeshFree仿真软件计算过程简单、高效,有助于起重机的设计和结构改进,可缩短设计周期。

Three-Dimensional Meshfree Analysis of Interlocking Concrete Blocks for Step Seawall Structure

This study adapts the flexible characteristic of meshfree method in analyzing three-dimensional(3D)complex geometry structures,which are the interlocking concrete blocks of step seawall.The elastostatic behavior of the block is analysed by solving the Galerkin weak form formulation over local support domain.The 3D moving least square(MLS)approximation is applied to build the interpolation functions of unknowns.The pre-defined number of nodes in an integration domain ranging from 10 to 60 nodes is also investigated for their effect on the studied results.The accuracy and efficiency of the studied method on 3D elastostatic responses are validated through the comparison with the solutions of standard finite element method(FEM)using linear shape functions on tetrahedral elements and the well-known commercial software,ANSYS.The results show that elastostatic responses of studied concrete block obtained by meshfree method converge faster and are more accurate than those of standard FEM.The studied meshfree method is effective in the analysis of static responses of complex geometry structures.The amount of discretised nodes within the integration domain used in building MLS shape functions should be in the range from 30 to 60 nodes and should not be less than 20 nodes.

基于应变梯度非局部Biot理论的饱和土地基动力特性研究

为探究孔隙尺寸效应(非局部参数表征)和介质局部非均匀效应(尺寸因子表征)对饱和土地基动力响应的影响,基于应变梯度非局部Biot理论,采用无网格法编制循环荷载下饱和土地基动力响应计算程序,验证无网格法程序的正确性。结果表明,尺寸因子为定值时,随着非局部参数的增加,观测点位移及孔压起始响应的时间有所延迟;而非局部参数为定值时,随尺寸因子的增加,观测点位移及孔压起始响应时间有所提前;说明考虑孔隙尺寸效应会减小系统的宏观模量,而考虑土体结构的非均匀效应则会增加系统的宏观模量。研究提出采用无网格法求解饱和土动力问题的方法和思路,可为今后研究饱和土动力学问题的研究提供借鉴。

h-ADAPTIVITY ANALYSIS BASED ON MULTIPLE SCALE REPRODUCING KERNEL PARTICLE METHOD

An h-adaptivity analysis scheme based on multiple scale reproducing kernel particle method was proposed, and two node refinement strategies were constructed using searching-neighbor-nodes(SNN) and local-Delaunay-triangulation(LDT) tech-niques, which were suitable and effective for h-adaptivity analysis on 2-D problems with the regular or irregular distribution of the nodes. The results of multiresolution and h-adaptivity analyses on 2-D linear elastostatics and bending plate problems demonstrate that the improper high-gradient indicator will reduce the convergence property of the h-adaptivity analysis, and that the efficiency of the LDT node refinement strategy is better than SNN, and that the presented h-adaptivity analysis scheme is provided with the validity, stability and good convergence property.

An Updated Lagrangian Particle Hydrodynamics (ULPH)-NOSBPD Coupling Approach forModeling Fluid-Structure Interaction Problem

A fluid-structure interaction approach is proposed in this paper based onNon-Ordinary State-Based Peridynamics(NOSB-PD)and Updated Lagrangian Particle Hydrodynamics(ULPH)to simulate the fluid-structure interaction problem with large geometric deformation and material failure and solve the fluid-structure interaction problem of Newtonian fluid.In the coupled framework,the NOSB-PD theory describes the deformation and fracture of the solid material structure.ULPH is applied to describe the flow of Newtonian fluids due to its advantages in computational accuracy.The framework utilizes the advantages of NOSB-PD theory for solving discontinuous problems and ULPH theory for solving fluid problems,with good computational stability and robustness.A fluidstructure coupling algorithm using pressure as the transmission medium is established to deal with the fluidstructure interface.The dynamic model of solid structure and the PD-ULPH fluid-structure interaction model involving large deformation are verified by numerical simulations.The results agree with the analytical solution,the available experimental data,and other numerical results.Thus,the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method in solving the fluid-structure interaction problem are demonstrated.The fluid-structure interactionmodel based on ULPH and NOSB-PD established in this paper provides a new idea for the numerical solution of fluidstructure interaction and a promising approach for engineering design and experimental prediction.

靶向精细化分析的鲁棒等几何无网格配点法

现有等几何基函数的无网格表示理论虽然搭建起了无网格法和等几何分析方法的连接桥梁,但该方法并未解决高阶梯度计算复杂且耗时的问题.文章在无网格形函数再生梯度理论基础上,构建了由等几何基函数再生点定义的混合梯度基向量,提出了一种等几何基函数梯度的无网格等价表述形式,丰富和完善了无网格法与等几何分析的无缝衔接.在此基础上,提出了一种鲁棒的等几何无网格配点法,该方法保证了全域内近似函数的一致性、高效性和模型局部靶向精细化的简捷性.与传统等几何基函数梯度的递推算法相比,所提方法可同步构造相应阶次等几何基函数梯度,数值实现更加简捷.文中以二维二次基函数为例,数值验证了特定影响域条件下所构造的无网格再生梯度与等几何基函数的标准梯度之间的等价性.同时对比分析了所提无网格再生梯度与等几何无网格形函数直接梯度的再生条件,结果表明,等几何无网格形函数直接梯度的再生条件并不稳定,而所提等几何基函数的无网格再生梯度在不同节点序列精确满足不同阶次的再生条件,保证了配点法分析的结果收敛性.数值算例结果表明,所提配点方法相较于传统等几何配点法在局部细化问题分析方面具有更高的计算精度.

超收敛光滑再生梯度无网格配点法

无网格配点(meshfree collocation,MC)法易于实现,但形函数高阶梯度的计算限制了其计算效率。为了提高MC法的梯度计算效率和收敛精度,本文结合无网格再生梯度理论与梯度光滑方法,提出了一种超收敛光滑再生梯度无网格配点(smoothed reproducing gradient meshfree collocation,SRGMC)法。所提方法以一阶再生梯度为基础递推构造二阶光滑再生梯度,避免了形函数中矩量矩阵的逆矩阵求导运算,数值实现便捷且计算效率高。文中通过典型数值算例验证了SRGMC法的精度和收敛性,结果表明,本文所提SRGMC法具有超收敛特性,且精度明显优越于MC法。