Novel finite elements - Mixed, Hybrid and Virtual Element formulations at finite strains for 3D applications

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Jörg Schröder; Professor Dr.-Ing. Peter Wriggers
• Subject Area: Mechanics
• Term: from 2014 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 255432295

In this research project, the main goal is to develop new finite-element formulations as a suitable basis for the stable calculation of modern isotropic and anisotropic materials with a complex nonlinear material behavior. In order to achieve this goal new ideas are pursued in a strict variational framework since there is no obvious approach available at the moment. Three main strategies are followed. The fundament of the first strategy constitutes a novel extension of the classical Hellinger-Reissner formulation to non-linear applications. Herein, the constitutive relation of the interpolated stresses and strains is determined with help of an iterative procedure. This will be done on the basis of polyconvex strain energy functions. In a further step the discretization of the stresses is done by special interpolation functions, which guarantee the continuity of the traction vector over element edges. An alternative formulation, incorporating continuity of the traction vector, is part of the second strategy. The compliance of the balance of momentum is demanded on each subdomain. This leads to a primal formulation, which does not admit jumps of the traction vector.The extension of the promising virtual finite element method (VEM) is part of the third strategy. Particularly, further investigations in the stabilization method will be done, which are needed in the framework of complex nonlinear constitutive behavior. Furthermore the interpolation functions for the VEM will be extended from linear to quadratic functions to obtain better convergence rates. In addition, the VEM will be extended, formulated and implemented for 3D applications in order to use the method in the framework of crystal plasticity. Especially in this application the flexibility of the VEM regarding the mesh generation will constitute a huge benefit.As a common software development platform the AceGen environment is applied providing a flexible tool for the generation of efficient finite element code.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1748: Reliable Simulation Techniques in Solid Mechanics - Development of Non-Standard Discretisation Methods, Mechanical and Mathematical Analysis