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Thoutireddy, Pururav (2002-10-07) Variational arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05292003-113845


Type of Document Dissertation
Author Thoutireddy, Pururav
Author's Email Address puru AT cacr.caltech.edu
URN etd-05292003-113845
Persistent URL http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05292003-113845
Title Variational arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method
Degree PhD
Option Aeronautics
Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title
Michael Ortiz Committee Chair
Guruswaminaidu Ravichandran Committee Member
Jerrold E. Marsden Committee Member
Kaushik Bhattacharya Committee Member
Keywords
  • ALE methods
  • Mesh adaption
  • Shape Optimization
  • Finite Elements
  • Variational Methods
Date of Defense 2002-10-07
Availability unrestricted
Abstract
This thesis is concerned with the development of Variational Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method (VALE) method. VALE is essentially finite element method generalized to account for horizontal variations, in particular, variations in nodal coordinates. The distinguishing characteristic of the method is that the variational principle simultaneously supplies the solution, the optimal mesh and, in case problems of shape optimization, optimal shape. This is accomplished by rendering the functional associated with the variational principle stationary with respect to nodal field values as well as with respect to the nodal positions of triangulation of the domain of analysis. Stationarity with respect to the nodal positions has the effect of the equilibriating the energetic or configurational forces acting in the nodes. Further, configurational force equilibrium provides precise criterion for mesh optimality. The solution so obtained corresponds to minimum of energy functional (minimum principle) in static case and to the stationarity of action sum (discrete Hamilton's stationarity principle) in dynamic case, with respect to both nodal variables and nodal positions. Further, the resulting mesh adaption scheme is devoid of error estimates and mesh-to-mesh transfer interpolation errors. We illustrate the versatility and convergence characteristics of the method by way of selected numerical tests and applications, including the problem of semi-infinite crack, the shape optimization of elastic inclusions and free vibration of 1-d rod.
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