Javier L. Mroginski

A finite element approach for multiphase fluid flow in porous media

The main scope of this work is to carry out a mathematical framework and its corresponding finite element (FE) discretization for the partially saturated soil consolidation modelling in presence of an immiscible pollutant. A multiphase system with the interstitial voids in the grain matrix filled with water (liquid phase), water vapour and dry air (gas phase) and with pollutant substances, is assumed. The mathematical model addressed in this work was developed in the framework of mixture theory considering the pollutant saturation-suction coupling effects. The ensuing mathematical model involves equations of momentum balance, energy balance and mass balance of the whole multiphase system. Encouraging outcomes were achieved in several different examples.

Influence of the saturation-suction relationship in the formulation of non-saturated soil consolidation models

The main scope of this paper is to present a fully coupled numerical model for isothermal soil consolidation analysis based on a combination of different stress states. Being originally a non-symmetric problem, it may be straightforward reduced to a symmetric one, and general guidelines for the conditions in which this reduction may be carried out, are addressed. Non-linear saturation-suction and permeability-suction functions were incorporated into a Galerkin approach of the non-saturated soil consolidation problem, which was solved using the finite element method. In order to validate the model, various examples, for which previous solutions are known, were solved. The use of either a strongly non-linear and non-symmetric formulation or a simple symmetric formulation with accurate prediction in deformation and pore-pressures is extremely dependent on the soil characteristic curves and their derivatives and this aspect is taken into account in the present mathematical approach. The emergent coupling effects may be easily uncoupled in the computer model by merely recasting some coefficients of the discrete equation system.

A selective genetic algorithm for multiobjective optimization of cross sections in 3D trussed structures based on a spatial sensitivity analysis

Purpose – There are many problems in civil or mechanical engineering related to structural design. In such a case, the solution techniques which lead to deterministic results are no longer valid due to the heuristic nature of design problems. The purpose of this paper is to propose a computational tool based on genetic algorithms, applied to the optimal design of cross-sections (solid tubes) of 3D truss structures. Design/methodology/approach – The main feature of this genetic algorithm approach is the introduction of a selective-smart method developed in order to improve the convergence rate of large optimization problems. This selective genetic algorithm is based on a preliminary sensitivity analysis performed over each variable, in order to reduce the search space of the evolutionary process. In order to account for the optimization of the total weight, the displacement (of a specific section) and the internal stresses distribution of the structure a multiobjective optimization function was proposed. F...