A three dimensional generalized finite element method for thin fibers embedded in a continuum

The realistic simulation of the behavioral mechanisms of Fiber Reinforced Composites poses a computational and implementation challenge to available Finite Element Methods (FEMs). Meshing a large number of arbitrarily distributed fibers in three dimensions and modeling damage mechanisms, while simultaneously accounting for multi-scale interactions would undermine the feasibility of available FEM for such models. This research project formulates and implements a multi-scale Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM) using global-local enrichment functions (GFEM^{gl}) to overcome these limitations. The methodology is verified by comparing the solution to specific linear elastic problems obtained by using GFEM^{gl} against solutions from the traditional FEM approach. In addition, these examples accentuate the limitations of the usage of FEM to solve them. The GFEM^{gl} is finally applied to a key concept in the design of advanced composite materials, namely Crack-Bridging, to demonstrate its versatility.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Krishnan, Aditya

Contributors dc:contributor

• Duarte, C. Armando

• Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM)
• Global-local analysis
• Multi-scale problem
• Fiber Reinforced Composites

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 by Aditya Krishnan. All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/31174

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/31174