Indirect tension test of epoxy asphalt mixtureusing microstructural finite-element model

A finite-element model of the thermosetting epoxy asphalt mixture（EAM） microstructure is developed to simulate the indirect tension test（IDT）.Image techniques are used to capture the EAM microstructure which is divided into two phases：aggregates and mastic.A viscoelastic constitutive relationship,which is obtained from the results of a creep test,is used to represent the mastic phase at intermittent temperatures.Model simulation results of the stiffness modulus in IDT compare favorably with experimental data.Different loading directions and velocities are employed in order to account for their influence on the modulus and the localized stress of the microstructure model.It is pointed out that the modulus is not consistent when the loading direction changes since the heterogeneous distribution of the mixture internal structure,and the loading velocity affects the localized stress as a result of the viscoelasticity of the mastic.The study results can provide a theoretical basis for the finite-element method,which can be extended to the numerical simulations of asphalt mixture micromechanical behavior.

Perfectly matched layer-absorbing boundary condition for finite-element time-domain modeling of elastic wave equations

The perfectly matched layer （PML） is a highly efficient absorbing boundary condition used for the numerical modeling of seismic wave equation. The article focuses on the application of this technique to finite-element time-domain numerical modeling of elastic wave equation. However, the finite-element time-domain scheme is based on the second- order wave equation in displacement formulation. Thus, the first-order PML in velocity-stress formulation cannot be directly applied to this scheme. In this article, we derive the finite- element matrix equations of second-order PML in displacement formulation, and accomplish the implementation of PML in finite-element time-domain modeling of elastic wave equation. The PML has an approximate zero reflection coefficients for bulk and surface waves in the finite-element modeling of P-SV and SH wave propagation in the 2D homogeneous elastic media. The numerical experiments using a two-layer model with irregular topography validate the efficiency of PML in the modeling of seismic wave propagation in geological models with complex structures and heterogeneous media.

2.5D induced polarization forward modeling using the adaptive finite-element method

The conventional finite-element（FE） method often uses a structured mesh, which is designed according to the user’s experience, and it is not sufficiently accurate and flexible to accommodate complex structures such as dipping interfaces and rough topography. We present an adaptive FE method for 2.5D forward modeling of induced polarization（IP）. In the presented method, an unstructured triangulation mesh that allows for local mesh refinement and flexible description of arbitrary model geometries is used. Furthermore, the mesh refinement process is guided by dual error estimate weighting to bias the refinement towards elements that affect the solution at the receiver locations. After the final mesh is generated, the Jacobian matrix is used to obtain the IP response on 2D structure models. We validate the adaptive FE algorithm using a vertical contact model. The validation shows that the elements near the receivers are highly refined and the average relative error of the potentials converges to 0.4 % and 1.2 % for the IP response. This suggests that the numerical solution of the adaptive FE algorithm converges to an accurate solution with the refined mesh. Finally, the accuracy and flexibility of the adaptive FE procedure are also validated using more complex models.

Three-dimensional magnetotellurics modeling using edgebased finite-element unstructured meshes

Three-dimensional forward modeling magnetotellurics （MT） problems. We present a is a challenge for geometrically complex new edge-based finite-element algorithm using an unstructured mesh for accurately and efficiently simulating 3D MT responses. The electric field curl-curl equation in the frequency domain was used to deduce the H （curl） variation weak form of the MT forward problem, the Galerkin rule was used to derive a linear finite-element equation on the linear-edge tetrahedroid space, and, finally, a BI-CGSTAB solver was used to estimate the unknown electric fields. A local mesh refinement technique in the neighbor of the measuring MT stations was used to greatly improve the accuracies of the numerical solutions. Four synthetic models validated the powerful performance of our algorithms. We believe that our method will effectively contribute to processing more complex MT studies.

Acoustic reflection well logging modeling using the frequency-domain finite-element method with a hybrid PML

In this paper, we propose a hybrid PML （H-PML） combining the normal absorption factor of convolutional PML （C-PML） with tangential absorption factor of Mutiaxial PML （M-PML）. The H-PML boundary conditions can better suppress the numerical instability in some extreme models, and the computational speed of finite-element method and the dynamic range are greatly increased using this HPML. We use the finite-element method with a hybrid PML to model the acoustic reflection of the interface when wireline and well logging while drilling （LWD）, in a formation with a reflector outside the borehole. The simulation results suggests that the PS- and SP- reflected waves arrive at the same time when the inclination between the well and the outer interface is zero, and the difference in arrival times increases with increasing dip angle. When there are fractures outside the well, the reflection signal is clearer in the subsequent reflection waves and may be used to identify the fractured zone. The difference between the dominant wavelength and the model scale shows that LWD reflection logging data are of higher resolution and quality than wireline acoustic reflection logging.

Solution of shallow-water equations using least-squares finite-element method

A least-squares finite-element method （LSFEM） for the non-conservative shallow-water equations is presented. The model is capable of handling complex topography, steady and unsteady flows, subcritical and supercritical flows, and flows with smooth and sharp gradient changes. Advantages of the model include： （1） sources terms, such as the bottom slope, surface stresses and bed frictions, can be treated easily without any special treatment; （2） upwind scheme is no needed; （3） a single approximating space can be used for all variables, and its choice of approximating space is not subject to the Ladyzhenskaya-Babuska-Brezzi （LBB） condition; and （4） the resulting system of equations is symmetric and positive-definite （SPD） which can be solved efficiently with the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. The model is verified with flow over a bump, tide induced flow, and dam-break. Computed results are compared with analytic solutions or other numerical results, and show the model is conservative and accurate. The model is then used to simulate flow past a circular cylinder. Important flow charac-teristics, such as variation of water surface around the cylinder and vortex shedding behind the cylinder are investigated. Computed results compare well with experiment data and other numerical results.

Three-dimensional land FD-CSEM forward modeling using edge finite-element method

A modeling tool for simulating three-dimensional land frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic surveys,based on a finite-element discretization of the Helmholtz equation for the electric fields,has been developed.The main difference between our modeling method and those previous works is edge finite-element approach applied to solving the three-dimensional land frequency-domain electromagnetic responses generated by horizontal electric dipole source.Firstly,the edge finite-element equation is formulated through the Galerkin method based on Helmholtz equation of the electric fields.Secondly,in order to check the validity of the modeling code,the numerical results are compared with the analytical solutions for a homogeneous half-space model.Finally,other three models are simulated with three-dimensional electromagnetic responses.The results indicate that the method can be applied for solving three-dimensional electromagnetic responses.The algorithm has been demonstrated,which can be effective to modeling the complex geo-electrical structures.This efficient algorithm will help to study the distribution laws of3-D land frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic responses and to setup basis for research of three-dimensional inversion.

Least-squares finite-element method for shallow-water equations with source terms

Numerical solution of shallow-water equations （SWE） has been a challenging task because of its nonlinear hyperbolic nature, admitting discontinuous solution, and the need to satisfy the C-property. The presence of source terms in momentum equations, such as the bottom slope and friction of bed, compounds the difficulties further. In this paper, a least-squares finite-element method for the space discretization and θ-method for the time integration is developed for the 2D non-conservative SWE including the source terms. Advantages of the method include： the source terms can be approximated easily with interpolation functions, no upwind scheme is needed, as well as the resulting system equations is symmetric and positive-definite, therefore, can be solved efficiently with the conjugate gradient method. The method is applied to steady and unsteady flows, subcritical and transcritical flow over a bump, 1D and 2D circular dam-break, wave past a circular cylinder, as well as wave past a hump. Computed results show good C-property, conservation property and compare well with exact solutions and other numerical results for flows with weak and mild gradient changes, but lead to inaccurate predictions for flows with strong gradient changes and discontinuities.

Finite-element 3D modeling of stress patterns around a dipping fault

Stresses in a block around a dipping fracture simulating a damage zone of a fault are reconstructed by finite-element modeling. A fracture corresponding to a fault of different lengths, with its plane dipping at different angles, is assumed to follow a lithological interface and to experience either compression or shear. The stress associated with the destruction shows an asymmetrical pattern with different distances from the highest stress sites to the fault plane in the hanging and foot walls. As the dip angle decreases,the high-stress zone becomes wider in the hanging wall but its width changes negligibly in the foot wall.The length of the simulated fault and the deformation type affect only the magnitude of maximum stress,which remains asymmetrical relative to the fault plane. The Lh/Lfratio, where Lhand Lfare the widths of high-stress zones in the hanging and foot walls of the fault, respectively, is inversely proportional to the fault plane dip. The arithmetic mean of this ratio over different fault lengths in fractures subject to compression changes from 0.29 at a dip of 80°to 1.67 at 30°. In the case of shift displacement, ratios are increasing to 1.2 and 2.94, respectively.Usually they consider vertical fault planes and symmetry in a damage zone of faults. Following that assumption may cause errors in reconstructions of stress and fault patterns in areas of complex structural setting. According geological data, we know the structures are different and asymmetric in hanging and foot walls of fault. Thus, it is important to quantify zones of that asymmetry. The modeling results have to be taken into account in studies of natural faults, especially for practical applications in seismic risk mapping, engineering geology, hydrogeology, and tectonics.

Mesomechanics Finite-element Method for Determining the Shear Strength of Mudded Intercalation Materials

A new method regarding mesomechanics finite-element research is proposed to predict the peak shear strength of mudded intercalation materials on a mesoscopic scale. Based on geometric and mechanical parameters, along with the strain failure criteria obtained by sample＇s deformation characteristics, uniaxial compression tests on the sample were simulated through a finite-element model, which yielded values consistent with the data from the laboratory uniaxial compression tests, implying that the method is reasonable. Based on this model, a shear test was performed to calculate the peak shear strength of the mudded intercalation, consistent with values reported in the literature, thereby providing a new approach for investigating the mechanical properties of mudded intercalation materials.

A Finite-Element Analysis on the Rheorolling Process of Semi-Solid Spring Steel

With a geometrical model of porous material, a 3D finite-element analysis on the rolling process of spring steel60Si2Mn in the semi-solid state is carried out using software MARC. In terms of flat and groove rolling conditions,stress field and strain field are studied. The simulation results show that the rigid-viscoplastic model can accuratelydescribe the semi-solid metal rolling process. Semi-solid slurry has the characteristics of low flow stress and goodfluidity. During groove rolling, distribution of stress and strain on the cross-section of deformation zone is moreuniform than that during flat rolling. The results of simulation are in good agreement with the experiment data, andshow that semi-solid material fits for groove rolling.

Finite-element modeling and simulations of the intra-body communication used for biomedical monitoring

The finite-element modeling and simulations of the intra-body communication （IBC） were investigated to provide a theoretical basis for biomedical monitoring. A finite-element model for the whole human body was developed to simulate the IBC. The simulation of galvanic coupling IBC and electrostatic coupling IBC were implemented along with different signal transmission paths, and their attenuations were calculated. Our study showed that the position near the signal electrode had higher potential than other positions in the two types of IBC, while the potential generally decreased along the axis of the body parts. Both signal attenuations of the two types IBC increased with increasing signal transmission distance, and the electrostatic coupling IBC had comparatively higher receiving potential than the galvanic coupling IBC. The results indicated that the proposed modeling method could be used for the research of biomedical monitoring based on IBC technology.

Stiffness Degradation Characteristics Destructive Testing and Finite-Element Analysis of Prestressed Concrete T-Beam

The failure behavior of the precast prestressed concrete T girder was investigated by destructive test and finite-element analysis,and the mid-span deflection,girder stiffness and the variation of the cross section strain in the loading process were obtained,and the mechanical properties,mechanical behavior,elastic and plastic behavior and ultimate bearing capacity of T girder with large span were revealed.Furthermore,the relationship between the beam stiffness degradation,the neutral axis in cross-section,steel yielding and concrete cracking are investigated and analyzed.A method was proposed to predict the residual bearing capacity of a bridge based on the variation of the position of the cross section strain distribution and the section neutral axis,which provided a theoretical basis for predicting the stiffness detection and carrying capacity assessment of prestressed concrete beam.

TWO-GRID METHOD FOR CHARACTERISTICS FINITE-ELEMENT SOLUTION OF 2D NONLINEAR CONVECTION-DOMINATED DIFFUSION PROBLEM

For two-dimension nonlinear convection diffusion equation, a two-grid method of characteristics finite-element solution was constructed. In this method the nonlinear iterations is only to execute on the coarse grid and the fine-grid solution can be obtained in a single linear step. For the nonlinear convection-dominated diffusion equation, this method can not only stabilize the numerical oscillation but also accelerate the convergence and improve the computational efficiency. The error analysis demonstrates if the mesh sizes between coarse-grid and fine-grid satisfy the certain relationship, the two-grid solution and the characteristics finite-element solution have the same order of accuracy. The numerical is more efficient than that of characteristics example confirms that the two-grid method finite-element method.

Study on spline wavelet finite-element method in multi-scale analysis for foundation

A new finite element method （FEM） of B-spline wavelet on the interval （BSWI） is proposed. Through analyzing the scaling functions of BSWI in one dimension, the basic formula for 2D FEM of BSWI is deduced. The 2D FEM of 7 nodes and 10 nodes are constructed based on the basic formula. Using these proposed elements, the multiscale numerical model for foundation subjected to harmonic periodic load, the foundation model excited by external and internal dynamic load are studied. The results show the pro- posed finite elements have higher precision than the tradi- tional elements with 4 nodes. The proposed finite elements can describe the propagation of stress waves well whenever the foundation model excited by extemal or intemal dynamic load. The proposed finite elements can be also used to con- nect the multi-scale elements. And the proposed finite elements also have high precision to make multi-scale analysis for structure.

Pilot biomechanical design of biomaterials for artificial nucleus prosthesis using 3D finite-element modeling

Pilot biomechanical design of biomaterials for artificial nucleus prosthesiswas carried out based on the 3D finite-element method. Two 3D models of lumbar intervertebral discrespectively with a real human nucleus and with the nucleus removed were developed and validatedusing published experimental and clinical data. Then the models with a stainless steel nucleusprosthesis implanted and with polymer nucleus prostheses of various properties implanted were usedfor the 3D finite-element biomechanical analysis. All the above simulation and analysis were carriedout for the L4/L5 disc under a human worst--daily compression load of 2000 N. The results show thatthe polymer materials with Young's modulus of elasticity E = 0.1-100 MPa and Poisson's ratio v=0.35-0.5 are suitable to produce artificial nucleus prosthesis in view of biomechanicalconsideration.

A Mixed Finite-Element Method on Polytopal Mesh

In this paper,we introduce new stable mixed finite elements of any order on polytopal mesh for solving second-order elliptic problem.We establish optimal order error estimates for velocity and super convergence for pressure.Numerical experiments are conducted for our mixed elements of different orders on 2D and 3D spaces that confirm the theory.

STUDY ON THE TECTONIC STRESS FIELDS OF MESO-CENOZOIC IN LU'AN MINING AREA BY FINITE-ELEMENT SIMULATION

The structural de formation of Lu’ an mining area is characterized by a remarkable feature of zoning along E-W direction, in the east limb of Qinshui basin, Shanxi Province, China. The re gional tectonic stress fields and basement tectonics are two fundamental factors to control the cover tectonic framework. This paper uses the finite-element method with a elastic-plastic pIan problem model to simulate the three periods of stress fields resulting from field geological study’ Based on these works, the formation and evolution of tectonic framework of Lu’ an mining area have been discussed.

The simulation of electrostatic coupling intra-body communication based on the finite-element method

In this paper, investigation has been done in the computer simulation of the electrostatic coupling IBC by using the developed finite-element models, in which a.the incidence and reflection of electronic signal in the upper arm model were analyzed by using the theory of electromagnetic wave;b.the finite-element models of electrostatic coupling IBC were developed by using the electromagnetic analysis package of ANSYS software;c.the signal attenuation of electrostatic coupling IBC were simulated under the conditions of different signal frequencies, electrodes directions, electrodes sizes and transmission distances. Finally, some important conclusions are deduced on the basis of simulation results.

A New Volumetric Parameter for a Comparative Finite-Element Analysis of a Six- or Four-Implant Mandibular Total-Arch Rehabilitation

In a full-arch implant rehabilitation ad modum Branemark, the distribution of stress and strain in mandibular bone is influenced by the type, number and position of implants used. In particular, the biomechanical behaviour of the bone structure after complete osseointegration depends on the load transferred to the bone by each fixture. In this study, a finite-element analysis of two models was performed. Models of an all-on-four configuration and a six-implant configuration were compared in a worst-case scenario. A new V parameter is presented to aid the quantitative and comparative analysis of the all-on-four and six-implant configurations. The influence of orthotropy was also investigated, and a geometric change in the all-on-four configuration is presented.