Miguel Cervera

A strain-based plastic viscous-damage model for massive concrete structures

Within the framework of continuum damage mechanics, a new constitutive damage model for massive concrete is presented, mainly intended for the seismic analysis of gravity and arch dams. Consistent with thermodynamic requirements, a straindriven formalism is adopted, improving the algorithmic efficiency as much as required for the analysis of large scale problems to become feasible. Two scalar damage variables are introduced as internal variables, as well as a plastic-strain tensor. An extension to account for the concrete strain-rate dependency, suitable for seismic analysis, is presented at the end. The efficiency of numerical predictions from the constitutive model is illustrated through numerical applications and algorithmic implementation is also detailed.

Strong discontinuities and continuum plasticity models: the strong discontinuity approach

The paper presents the Strong Discontinuity Approach for the analysis and simulation of strong discontinuities in solids using continuum plasticity models. Kinematics of weak and strong discontinuities are discussed, and a regularized kinematic state of discontinuity is proposed as a mean to model the formation of a strong discontinuity as the collapsed state of a weak discontinuity (with a characteristic bandwidth) induced by a bifurcation of the stress–strain field, which propagates in the solid domain. The analysis of the conditions to induce the bifurcation provides a critical value for the bandwidth at the onset of the weak discontinuity and the direction of propagation. Then a variable bandwidth model is proposed to characterize the transition between the weak and strong discontinuity regimes. Several aspects related to the continuum and, their associated, discrete constitutive equations, the expended power in the formation of the discontinuity and relevant computational details related to the finite element simulations are also discussed. Finally, some representative numerical simulations are shown to illustrate the proposed approach.

The intrinsic time for the streamline upwind/Petrov-Galerkin formulation using quadratic elements

Abstract In this paper the functions of the Peclet number that appear in the intrinsic time of the streamline upwind/Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) formulation are analyzed for quadratic elements. Some related issues such as the computation of the characteristic element length and the introduction of source terms in the one-dimensional model problem are also addressed.

A RATE-DEPENDENT ISOTROPIC DAMAGE MODEL FOR THE SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE DAMS

In this paper a rate-dependent isotropic damage model developed for the numerical analysis of concrete dams subjected to seismic excitation is presented. The model is shown to incorporate two features essential for seismic analysis: stiffness degradation and stiffness recovery upon load reversals and strain-rate sensitivity. The issue of mesh objectivity is addressed using the concept of the ‘characteristic length’ of the fracture zone, to show that both the softening modulus and the fluidity parameter must depend on it to provide consistent results as the computational mesh is refined. Some aspects of the numerical implementation of the model are also treated, to show that the model can be easily incorporated in any standard non-linear finite element code. The application of the proposed model to the seismic analysis of a large gravity concrete dam shows that the structural response may vary significantly in terms of the development of damage. The inclusion of rate sensitivity is able to reproduce the experimental observation that the tensile peak strength of concrete can be increased up to 50 percent for the range of strain rates that appear in a structural safety analysis of a dam subjected to severe seismic actions.

A stabilized formulation for incompressible elasticity using linear displacement and pressure interpolations

In this paper a stabilized finite element method to deal with incompressibility in solid mechanics is presented. A mixed formulation involving pressure and displacement fields is used and a continuous linear interpolation is considered for both fields. To overcome the Babuska–Brezzi condition, a stabilization technique based on the orthogonal sub-scale method is introduced. The main advantage of the method is the possibility of using linear triangular or tetrahedral finite elements, which are easy to generate for real industrial applications. Results are compared with standard Galerkin and Q1P0 mixed formulations for nearly incompressible problems in the context of linear elasticity.

On the computational efficiency and implementation of block‐iterative algorithms for nonlinear coupled problems

Outlines a general methodology for the solution of the system of algebraic equations arising from the discretization of the field equations governing coupled problems. Considers that this discrete problem is obtained from the finite element discretization in space and the finite difference discretization in time. Aims to preserve software modularity, to be able to use existing single field codes to solve more complex problems, and to exploit computer resources optimally, emulating parallel processing. To this end, deals with two well‐known coupled problems of computational mechanics – the fluid‐structure interaction problem and thermally‐driven flows of incompressible fluids. Demonstrates the possibility of coupling the block‐iterative loop with the nonlinearity of the problems through numerical experiments which suggest that even a mild nonlinearity drives the convergence rate of the complete iterative scheme, at least for the two problems considered here. Discusses the implementation of this alternative to the direct coupled solution, stating advantages and disadvantages. Explains also the need for online synchronized communication between the different codes used as is the description of the master code which will control the overall algorithm.

On the formulation of coupled thermoplastic problems with phase-change

This paper deals with a numerical formulation for coupled thermoplastic problems including phase-change phenomena. The final goal is to get an accurate, eAcient and robust numerical model, allowing the numerical simulation of solidification processes in the metal casting industry. Some of the current issues addressed in the paper are the following. A fractional step method arising from an operator split of the governing diAerential equations has been used to solve the nonlinear coupled system of equations, leading to a staggered product formula solution algorithm. Nonlinear stability issues are discussed and isentropic and isothermal operator splits are formulated. Within the isentropic split, a strong operator split design constraint is introduced, by requiring that the elastic and plastic entropy, as well as the phasechange induced elastic entropy due to the latent heat, remain fixed in the mechanical problem. The formulation of the model has been consistently derived within a thermodynamic framework. The constitutive behavior has been defined by a thermoelastoplastic free energy function, including a thermal multiphase change contribution. Plastic response has been modeled by a J2 temperature dependent model, including plastic hardening and thermal softening. A brief summary of the thermomechanical frictional contact model is included. The numerical model has been implemented into the computational Finite Element code COMET developed by the authors. A numerical assessment of the isentropic and isothermal operator splits, regarding the nonlinear stability behavior, has been performed for weakly and strongly coupled thermomechanical problems. Numerical simulations of solidification processes show the performance of the computational model developed. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete plate and shell structures using 20-noded isoparametric brick elements

Abstract This paper describes an efficient and accurate, 3-D finite element model which may be adopted in the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concerete plate and shell structures. Benchmark tests are undertaken to check the computational model.

Numerical modelling of concrete curing, regarding hydration and temperature phenomena

A numerical model that accounts for the hydration and aging phenomena during the early ages of concrete curing is presented in a format suitable for a finite element implementation. Assuming the percolation of water through the hydrates already formed as the dominant mechanism of cement hydration, the model adopts an internal variable called hydration degree, whose evolution law is easily calibrated and allows an accurate prediction of the hydration heat production. Compressive strength evolution is related to the aging degree, a concept that accounts for the influences of the hydration and curing temperature on the final mechanical properties of concrete. The model capabilities are illustrated by means of a wide set of experimental tests involving ordinary and high performance concretes, and through the simulation of the concrete curing on a viaduct deck of the Oresund Link.

Thermo‐mechanical analysis of industrial solidification processes

SUMMARY The paper presents an up-to-date nite element numerical model for fully coupled thermo-mechanical problems, focussing in the simulation of solidication processes of industrial metal parts. The proposed constitutive model is dened by a thermo-visco-elasto-(visco)plastic free energy function which includes a contribution for thermal multiphase changes. Mechanical and thermal properties are assumed to be temperature-dependent, and viscous-like strains are introduced to account for the variation of the elastic moduli during the cooling process. The continuous transition between the initial uid-like and the nal solid-like behaviour of the part is modelled by considering separate viscous and elasto-plastic responses as a function of the solid fraction. Thermo-mechanical contact conditions between the mould and the part are specically considered, assuming that the heat ux is a function of the normal pressure and the thermal and mechanical gaps. A fractional step method arising from an operator split of the governing equations is used to solve the non-linear coupled system of equations, leading to a staggered product formula solution algorithm suitable for large-scale computations. Representative simulations of industrial solidication processes are shown, and comparison of computed results using the proposed model with available experimental data is given. Copyright ? 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.