A new complex variable element-free Galerkin method for two-dimensional potential problems

In this paper, based on the element-free Galerkin （EFG） method and the improved complex variable moving least- square （ICVMLS） approximation, a new meshless method, which is the improved complex variable element-free Galerkin （ICVEFG） method for two-dimensional potential problems, is presented. In the method, the integral weak form of control equations is employed, and the Lagrange multiplier is used to apply the essential boundary conditions. Then the corresponding formulas of the ICVEFG method for two-dimensional potential problems are obtained. Compared with the complex variable moving least-square （CVMLS） approximation proposed by Cheng, the functional in the ICVMLS approximation has an explicit physical meaning. Furthermore, the ICVEFG method has greater computational precision and efficiency. Three numerical examples are given to show the validity of the proposed method.

The complex variable reproducing kernel particle method for two-dimensional elastodynamics

On the basis of the reproducing kernel particle method （RKPM）, a new meshless method, which is called the complex variable reproducing kernel particle method （CVRKPM）, for two-dimensional elastodynamics is presented in this paper. The advantages of the CVRKPM are that the correction function of a two-dimensional problem is formed with one-dimensional basis function when the shape function is obtained. The Galerkin weak form is employed to obtain the discretised system equations, and implicit time integration method, which is the Newmark method, is used for time history analysis. And the penalty method is employed to apply the essential boundary conditions. Then the corresponding formulae of the CVRKPM for two-dimensional elastodynamics are obtained. Three numerical examples of two-dimensional elastodynamics are presented, and the CVRKPM results are compared with the ones of the RKPM and analytical solutions. It is evident that the numerical results of the CVRKPM are in excellent agreement with the analytical solution, and that the CVRKPM has greater precision than the RKPM.

The complex variable meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method of solving two-dimensional potential problems

Based on the complex variable moving least-square（CVMLS） approximation and a local symmetric weak form,the complex variable meshless local Petrov-Galerkin（CVMLPG） method of solving two-dimensional potential problems is presented in this paper.In the present formulation,the trial function of a two-dimensional problem is formed with a one-dimensional basis function.The number of unknown coefficients in the trial function of the CVMLS approximation is less than that in the trial function of the moving least-square（MLS） approximation.The essential boundary conditions are imposed by the penalty method.The main advantage of this approach over the conventional meshless local Petrov-Galerkin（MLPG） method is its computational efficiency.Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the implementation and performance of the present CVMLPG method.

Combining the complex variable reproducing kernel particle method and the finite element method for solving transient heat conduction problems

In this paper, the complex variable reproducing kernel particle （CVRKP） method and the finite element （FE） method are combined as the CVRKP-FE method to solve transient heat conduction problems. The CVRKP-FE method not only conveniently imposes the essential boundary conditions, but also exploits the advantages of the individual methods while avoiding their disadvantages, then the computational efficiency is higher. A hybrid approximation function is applied to combine the CVRKP method with the FE method, and the traditional difference method for two-point boundary value problems is selected as the time discretization scheme. The corresponding formulations of the CVRKP-FE method are presented in detail. Several selected numerical examples of the transient heat conduction problems are presented to illustrate the performance of the CVRKP-FE method.

New complex variable meshless method for advection-diffusion problems

In this paper,an improved complex variable meshless method（ICVMM） for two-dimensional advection-diffusion problems is developed based on improved complex variable moving least-square（ICVMLS） approximation.The equivalent functional of two-dimensional advection-diffusion problems is formed,the variation method is used to obtain the equation system,and the penalty method is employed to impose the essential boundary conditions.The difference method for twopoint boundary value problems is used to obtain the discrete equations.Then the corresponding formulas of the ICVMM for advection-diffusion problems are presented.Two numerical examples with different node distributions are used to validate and investigate the accuracy and efficiency of the new method in this paper.It is shown that ICVMM is very effective for advection-diffusion problems,and has a good convergent character,accuracy,and computational efficiency.

A complex variable meshless local Petrov-Galerkin method for transient heat conduction problems

On the basis of the complex variable moving least-square （CVMLS） approximation, a complex variable meshless local Petrov-Galerkin （CVMLPG） method is presented for transient heat conduction problems. The method is developed based on the CVMLS approximation for constructing shape functions at scattered points, and the Heaviside step function is used as a test function in each sub-domain to avoid the need for a domain integral in symmetric weak form. In the construction of the well-performed shape function, the trial function of a two-dimensional （2D） problem is formed with a one-dimensional （1D） basis function, thus improving computational efficiency. The numerical results are compared with the exact solutions of the problems and the finite element method （FEM）. This comparison illustrates the accuracy as well as the capability of the CVMLPG method.

An improved complex variable element-free Galerkin method for two-dimensional elasticity problems

In this paper, the improved complex variable moving least-squares （ICVMLS） approximation is presented. The ICVMLS approximation has an explicit physics meaning. Compared with the complex variable moving least-squares （CVMLS） approximations presented by Cheng and Ren, the ICVMLS approximation has a great computational precision and efficiency. Based on the element-free Galerkin （EFG） method and the ICVMLS approximation, the improved complex variable element-free Galerkin （ICVEFG） method is presented for two-dimensional elasticity problems, and the corresponding formulae are obtained. Compared with the conventional EFC method, the ICVEFG method has a great computational accuracy and efficiency. For the purpose of demonstration, three selected numerical examples are solved using the ICVEFG method.

Analysis of variable coefficient advection-diffusion problems via complex variable reproducing kernel particle method

The complex variable reproducing kernel particle method （CVRKPM） of solving two-dimensional variable coefficient advection-diffusion problems is presented in this paper. The advantage of the CVRKPM is that the shape function of a two-dimensional problem is formed with a one-dimensional basis function. The Galerkin weak form is employed to obtain the discretized system equation, and the penalty method is used to apply the essential boundary conditions. Then the corresponding formulae of the CVRKPM for two-dimensional variable coefficient advection-diffusion problems are obtained. Two numerical examples are given to show that the method in this paper has greater accuracy and computational efficiency than the conventional meshless method such as reproducing the kernel particle method （RKPM） and the element- free Galerkin （EFG） method.

Analytical modeling of complex contact behavior between rock mass and lining structure

Based on the nondestructive test data of operating railway tunnels in China, this paper summarizes the basic characteristics of the complex contact behavior between the rock mass and lining structure. The contact modes are classified into dense contact, local non-contact, and loose contact. Subsequently, the corresponding mechanical model for each contact mode is developed according to its mechanical characteristics using the complex variable method. In the proposed mechanical model, a special algorithm is introduced to detect whether the local non-contact zone is re-contacted. Besides, a novel conformal mapping method is also proposed to accurately calculate the mechanical response of the concrete lining. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with the finite element method(FEM). Several parameter investigations are conducted to analyze the effects of different contact modes on the rock-lining interaction. The results show that:(i) the height of the local noncontact area does not have a significant effect on the contact stress distribution if no re-contact occurs;(ii) backfill grouting can reduce the local stress concentration caused by poor contact modes;and(iii) reducing the friction coefficient of the interface can lead to a more uniform distribution of internal forces in the concrete lining.

Stochastic simulation of fluid flow in porous media by the complex variable expression method

A stochastic simulation of fluid flow in porous media using a complex variable expression method （SFCM） is presented in this paper. Hydraulic conductivity is considered as a random variable and is then expressed in complex variable form, the real part of which is a deterministic value and the imaginary part is a variable value. The stochastic seepage flow is simulated with the SFCM and is compared with the results calculated with the Monte Carlo stochastic finite element method. In using the Monte Carlo method to simulate the stochastic seepage flow field, the hydraulic conductivity is assumed in three different probability distributions using random sampling method. The obtained seepage flow field is examined through skewness analysis, and the skewed distribution probability density function is given. The head mode value and the head comprehensive standard deviation are used to represent the statistics of calculation results obtained by the Monte Carlo method. The stochastic seepage flow field simulated by the SFCM is confirmed to be similar to that given by the Monte Carlo method from numerical aspects. The range of coefficient of variation of hydraulic conductivity in SFCM is larger than used previously in stochastic seepage flow field simulations, and the computation time is short. The results proved that the SFCM is a convenient calculating method for solving the complex problems.

SCATTERING OF FLEXURAL WAVES AND DYNAMIC STRESS CONCENTRATIONS IN MINDLIN'S THICK PLATES WITH A CUTOUT

Using the complex variable method and conformal mapping,scat- tering of flexural waves and dynamic stress concentrations in Mindlin's thick plates with a cutout have been studied.The general solution of the stress problem of the thick plate satisfying the boundary conditions on the contour of cutouts is obtained. Applying the orthogonal function expansion technique,the dynamic stress problem can be reduced into the solution of a set of infinite algebraic equations.As examples, numerical results for the dynamic stress concentration factor in Mindlin's plates with a circular,elliptic cutout are graphically presented in sequence.

Interaction between a screw dislocation and an elastic elliptical inhomogeneity with interfacial cracks

The elastic interaction between a screw dislocation and an elliptical inhomogeneity with interfacial cracks is studied. The screw dislocation may be located outside or inside the inhomogeneity. An efficient complex variable method for the complex multiply connected region is developed, and the general solutions to the problem are derived. As illustrative examples, solutions in explicit series form for complex potentials are presented in the case of one or two interfacial cracks. Image forces on the dislocation are calculated by using the Peach-Koehler formula. The influence of crack geometries and material properties on the image forces is evaluated and discussed. It is shown that the interfacial crack has a significant effect on the equilibrium position of the dislocation near an elliptical-arc interface. The main results indicate, when the length of the crack goes up to a critical value, the presence of the interfacial crack can change the interaction mechanism between a screw dislocation and an elliptical inclusion. The present solutions can include a number of previously known results as special cases.

ANTIPLANE PROBLEM OF CIRCULAR ARC INTERFACIAL RIGID LINE INCLUSIONS

The antiplane problem of circular arc rigid line inclusions under antiplane concentrated force and longitudinal shear loading was dealt with. By using Riemann-Schwarz's symmetry principle integrated with the singularity analysis of complex functions, the general solution of the problem and the closed form solutions for some important practical problems were presented. The stress distribution in the immediate vicinity of circular arc rigid line end was examined in detail. The results show that the singular stress fields near the rigid inclusion tip possess a square-root singularity similar to that for the corresponding crack problem under antiplane shear loading, but no oscillatory character. Furthermore, the stresses are found to depend on geometrical dimension, loading conditions and materials parameters. Some practical results concluded are in agreement with the previous solutions.

STRESS CONCENTRATIONS IN CYLINDRICAL SHELLS WITH LARGE OPENINGS

Based on Donnell's shallow shell equation, a new method is given in this paper to analyze theoretical solutions of stress concentrations about cylindrical shells with large openings. With the method of complex variable function, a series' of conformal mapping functions are obtained from different cutouts' boundary curves in the developed plane of a cylindrical shell to the unit circle. And, the general expressions for the equations of a cylindrical shell, including the solutions of stress concentrations meeting the boundary conditions of the large openings' edges, are given in the mapping plane. Furthermore, by applying the orthogonal function expansion technique, the problem can be summarized into the solution of infinite algebraic equation series. Finally, numerical results are obtained for stress concentration factors at the cutout's edge with various opening's ratios and different loading conditions. This new method, at the same time, gives a possibility to the research of cylindrical shells with large non-circular openings or with nozzles.

AN ANALYSIS FOR DIFFRACTION OF FLEXURAL WAVES AND DYNAMIC STRESS CONCENTRATIONS IN THICK PLATES WITH A CAVITY

By using the complex variable method and conformal mapping, the diffraction of flexural waves and dynamic stress concentrations in thick plates with a cavity have been studied. A general solution of the stress problem of the thick plate satisfying the boundary conditions on the contour of an arbitrary cavity is obtained. By employing the orthogonal function expansion technique, the dynamic stress problem can be reduced to the solution of an infinite algebraic equation series. As an example, the numerical results for the dynamic stress concentration factor in thick plates with a circular, elliptic cavity are graphically presented. The numerical results are discussed.

Analytical solution for the stress field of hierarchical defects:multiscale framework and applications

Hierarchical defects are defined as adjacent defects at different length scales.Involved are the two scales where the stress field distribution is interrelated.Based on the complex variable method and conformal mapping,a multiscale framework for solving the problems of hierarchical defects is formulated.The separated representations of mapping function,the governing equations of potentials,and the stress field are subsequently obtained.The proposed multiscale framework can be used to solve a variety of simplified engineering problems.The case in point is the analytical solution of a macroscopic elliptic hole with a microscopic circular edge defect.The results indicate that the microscopic defect aggregates the stress concentration on the macroscopic defect and likely leads to global propagation and rupture.Multiple micro-defects have interactive effects on the distribution of the stress field.The level of stress concentration may be reduced by the coalescence of micro-defects.This work provides a unified method to analytically investigate the influence of edge micro-defects within the scope of multiscale hierarchy.The formulated multiscale approach can also be potentially applied to materials with hierarchical defects,such as additive manufacturing and bio-inspired materials.

Thermoelectric field for a coated hole of arbitrary shape in a nonlinearly coupled thermoelectric material

We study the thermoelectric field for an electrically and thermally insulated coated hole of arbitrary shape embedded in an infinite nonlinearly coupled thermoelectric material subject to uniform remote electric current density and uniform remote energy flux.A conformal mapping function for the coating and matrix is introduced,which simultaneously maps the hole boundary and the coating-matrix interface onto two concentric circles in the image plane.Using analytic continuation,we derive a general solution in terms of two auxiliary functions.The general solution satisfies the insulating conditions along the hole boundary and all of the continuity conditions across the perfect coating-matrix interface.Once the two auxiliary functions have been obtained in the elementary-form,the four original analytic functions in the coating and matrix characterizing the thermoelectric fields are completely and explicitly determined.The design of a neutral coated circular hole that does not disturb the prescribed thermoelectric field in the thermoelectric matrix is achieved when the relative thickness parameter and the two mismatch parameters satisfy a simple condition.Finally,the neutrality of a coated circular thermoelectric inhomogeneity is also accomplished.

Optimal thermal design of anisotropic plates with arbitrary cutouts using genetic algorithm

Anisotropic plates in different applications may have geometric defects such as openings and cracks.The presence of the opening disturbs the heat flow,which creates significant thermal stress around the opening.When the heat flux is high enough,these extreme stresses can lead to structural failure.This article aims to obtain the optimal parameters for achieving the minimum value of the normalized stress near the cutout’s boundary in perforated anisotropic plates utilizing the genetic algorithm.Optimization parameters include the curvature of opening’s corners,orientation angle of opening,fibers angle,heat flux angle,and opening’s elongation.The plate is under heat flux,and the opening’s border is thermally insulated.The stress distribution around the opening is calculated using Lekhnitskii’s complex variable method and complex potential functions.The genetic algorithm is then implemented to find the optimal values for design parameters.The results show that by selecting the optimal parameters related to the anisotropic material and the opening’s geometry,the stress intensity factor of the perforated anisotropic plates is remarkably reduced.Furthermore,this optimization algorithm can be extended to find the optimized parameters and achieve the optimal designs in anisotropic and isotropic perforated plates under thermal loadings.

ELASTIC INTERACTION BETWEEN WEDGE DISCLINATION DIPOLE AND INTERNAL CRACK

The system of a wedge disclination dipole interacting with an internal crack was investigated. By using the complex variable method, the closed form solutions of complex potentials to this problem were presented. The analytic formulae of the physics variables, such as stress intensity factors at the tips of the crack produced by the wedge disclination dipole and the image force acting on disclination dipole center were obtained. The influence of the orientation, the dipole arm and the location of the disclination dipole on the stress intensity factors was discussed in detail. Furthermore, the equilibrium position of the wedge disclination dipole was also examined. It is shown that the shielding or antishielding effect of the wedge disclination to the stress intensity factors is significant when the disclination dipole moves to the crack tips.

ANALYSIS OF A SCREW DISLOCATION INSIDE A CIRCULAR INCLUSION WITH INTERFACIAL CRACKS IN PIEZOELECTRIC COMPOSITES

The electroelastic interaction of a screw dislocation inside a circular inclusion with inteffacial cracks in piezoelectric composite materials under anti-plane shear and in-plane electric loads at infinity is investigated. The general solution to this problem was obtained by means of Riemann-Schwarz＇ s symmetry principle integrated with analysis of singularities of corresponding complex potentials. As a typical example, closed form expressions of the complex potentials and electroelastic field components in the matrix and inhomogeneity regions were derived explicitly when the interface contains a single crack. The image force acting on the screw dislocation was calculated by using the generalized Peach-Koehler formula. The influence of interfacial crack geometry and piezoelectric material property combinations upon the image force was discussed in detail. The results show that interfacial crack has a significant perturbation effect on the image force and the equilibrium position of the screw dislocation. The presence of the interfacial crack can change the direction of the image force when the length of the crack goes up to a critical value. The obtained explicit solutions can be used as Green＇s functions to study the problem on the interaction between interfacial cracks and arbitrary shape crack inside the inclusion. The present solutions can lead to previously known results as the special case.