A multiscale computational framework for the simulation of local features in large structures

In many engineering applications, it is necessary to account for interactions among multiple spatial scales through numerical simulations. Resolving fine-scale features such as geometrical details, cracks, and localized nonlinearities with high fidelity is crucial for the accurate prediction of the response and service life of structural components. Three-dimensional models with detailed meshes and advanced modeling techniques are usually required to accurately capture fine scale responses. However, adopting such models on the structural/global scale is computationally inefficient and sometimes unfeasible for problems involving a large number of local features. In most engineering applications, coarse 3-D or shell models are often sufficient for predicting the global response and hence are commonly adopted at the global scale. On the other hand, in critical regions, 3-D solid models and adaptive discretization methods are needed to capture fine-scale phenomena. Thus, the challenge lies in how to efficiently link models and discretizations at different scales. This work presents a multiscale computational framework based on the Generalized/eXtended Finite Element Method with global--local enrichments (GFEMgl) and the iterative global—local (IGL) method aiming at capturing localized responses with high accuracy and computational efficiency. In this framework, the GFEMgl is capable of capturing localized thermomechanical responses on coarse meshes via enrichment functions provided by parallel simulations of local boundary value problems where local features are accurately modeled and resolved. The IGL, in turn, provides a robust and non-intrusive approach to establishing a two-way coupling between global and fine-scale models. Additionally, as many closed- and open-source simulation tools are being developed nowadays, this framework enables engineers to perform co-simulation with multiple solvers based on the desired computational capabilities at different scales. A series of systematic numerical studies are conducted on a range of three-dimensional applications involving material nonlinearities, multiphysics responses, and fractures. Various attributes of the framework are assessed on benchmark problems and compared against reference numerical methods. The results show that the proposed methodology can deliver high fidelity solutions comparable to those obtained from a direct finite element analysis while offering promising computational efficiency. In addition, it is demonstrated that the user-time required for setting up models and discretizations for large representative problems can be noticeably reduced by utilizing the proposed framework.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Li, Haoyang

Contributors dc:contributor

• Duarte, Carlos Armando
• Masud, Arif
• Olson, Luke
• Eason, Thomas, III G.

• Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM)
• Extended Finite Element Method
• Multiscale
• Multiphysics
• Parallel
• Thermomechanical
• Plasticity
• Fracture mechanics
• Stress intensity factor
• Spot welds
• Iterative Global-Local
• Non-intrusive coupling
• Co-simulation

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2020 Haoyang Li

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108335

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108335