Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “explicit time integration”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records

Simulating Nonlinear Deformations of Solar Sail Membranes Using Explicit Time Integration

In this study, the explicit time integration method is employed to predict deformation of highly flexible solar sail structural components. The nonlinear static analysis of a highly flexible ribbon structure is presented to demonstrate the need for having the explicit time integration method in the analysis toolbox for solar sail. Static analyses of the ribbon structure produce ambiquous results whereas the explicit time integration method determines the correct results. Extensive benchmarking examples are also presented to build confidence in the use of the explicit method. Previously determined nonlinear wrinkling deformations of solar sail membranes are found by the explicit method. As the explicit method is known to often require more computational time than nonlinear static methods, a study on mass scaling was also conducted. The computational times are reported for the nonlinear static and explicit time integration solutions to calibrate the advantage of using mass scaling for these problems.

Wang, John T.↗

Explicit time integration of finite element models on a vectorized, concurrent computer with shared memory

The implementation of a nonlinear explicit program on a vectorized, concurrent computer with shared memory is described and studied. The conflict between vectorization and concurrency is described and some guidelines are given for optimal block sizes. Several example problems are summarized to illustrate the types of speed-ups which can be achieved by reprogramming as compared to compiler optimization.

Gilbertsen, Noreen D.↗

Algorithms and software for nonlinear structural dynamics

The objective of this research is to develop efficient methods for explicit time integration in nonlinear structural dynamics for computers which utilize both concurrency and vectorization. As a framework for these studies, the program WHAMS, which is described in Explicit Algorithms for the Nonlinear Dynamics of Shells (T. Belytschko, J. I. Lin, and C.-S. Tsay, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 42, 1984, pp 225 to 251), is used. There are two factors which make the development of efficient concurrent explicit time integration programs a challenge in a structural dynamics program: (1) the need for a variety of element types, which complicates the scheduling-allocation problem; and (2) the need for different time steps in different parts of the mesh, which is here called mixed delta t integration, so that a few stiff elements do not reduce the time steps throughout the mesh.

Belytschko, Ted↗

A new explicit variable time-integration self-starting methodology for computational structural dynamics

A new explicit variable time-integration methodology and architecture which possesses self-starting attributes, eliminates the need to involve acceleration computations, and which has improved accuracy characteristics in comparison to the traditional central-difference-type formulations customarily advocated is described for applicability to computational structural dynamics. To sharpen the focus of the present study, an explicit variable time-integration architecture which is relatively simple, yet effective, is described. Unlike variable explicit time-integration formulations adopted in the past, the present self-starting variable time-integration architecture and implementation aspects facilitate a simplified representation and a straightforward and effective approach for combining finite element meshes requiring different time steps in a single analysis. Numerical test cases are provided which demonstrate the applicability of the proposed formulations.

Tamma, Kumar K.↗

Computational modes and the Machenauer N.L.N.M.I. of the GLAS 4th order model

An attempt was made to use the GLAS global 4th order shallow water equations to perform a Machenhauer nonlinear normal mode initialization (NLNMI) for the external vertical mode. A new algorithm was defined for identifying and filtering out computational modes which affect the convergence of the Machenhauer iterative procedure. The computational modes and zonal waves were linearly initialized and gravitational modes were nonlinearly initialized. The Machenhauer NLNMI was insensitive to the absence of high zonal wave numbers. The effects of the Machenhauer scheme were evaluated by performing 24 hr integrations with nondissipative and dissipative explicit time integration models. The NLNMI was found to be inferior to the Rasch (1984) pseudo-secant technique for obtaining convergence when the time scales of nonlinear forcing were much smaller than the time scales expected from the natural frequency of the mode.

Navon, I. M.↗

Adaptive methods for nonlinear structural dynamics and crashworthiness analysis

The objective is to describe three research thrusts in crashworthiness analysis: adaptivity; mixed time integration, or subcycling, in which different timesteps are used for different parts of the mesh in explicit methods; and methods for contact-impact which are highly vectorizable. The techniques are being developed to improve the accuracy of calculations, ease-of-use of crashworthiness programs, and the speed of calculations. The latter is still of importance because crashworthiness calculations are often made with models of 20,000 to 50,000 elements using explicit time integration and require on the order of 20 to 100 hours on current supercomputers. The methodologies are briefly reviewed and then some example calculations employing these methods are described. The methods are also of value to other nonlinear transient computations.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Formulation of an explicit-multiple-time-step time integration method for use in a global primitive equation grid model

With appropriate modifications, a recently proposed explicit-multiple-time-step scheme (EMTSS) is incorporated into the UCLA model. In this scheme, the linearized terms in the governing equations that generate the gravity waves are split into different vertical modes. Each mode is integrated with an optimal time step, and at periodic intervals these modes are recombined. The other terms are integrated with a time step dictated by the CFL condition for low-frequency waves. This large time step requires a special modification of the advective terms in the polar region to maintain stability. Test runs for 72 h show that EMTSS is a stable, efficient and accurate scheme.

Chao, W. C.↗

Virtual-pulse time integral methodology: A new explicit approach for computational dynamics - Theoretical developments for general nonlinear structural dynamics

The present paper describes a new explicit virtual-pulse time integral methodology for nonlinear structural dynamics problems. The purpose of the paper is to provide the theoretical basis of the methodology and to demonstrate applicability of the proposed formulations to nonlinear dynamic structures. Different from the existing numerical methods such as direct time integrations or mode superposition techniques, the proposed methodology offers new perspectives and methodology of development, and possesses several unique and attractive computational characteristics. The methodology is tested and compared with the implicit Newmark method (trapezoidal rule) through a nonlinear softening and hardening spring dynamic models. The numerical results indicate that the proposed explicit virtual-pulse time integral methodology is an excellent alternative for solving general nonlinear dynamic problems.

Chen, Xiaoqin↗

Volume 2: Explicit, multistage upwind schemes for Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

The objective of this study was to develop a high-resolution-explicit-multi-block numerical algorithm, suitable for efficient computation of the three-dimensional, time-dependent Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The resulting algorithm has employed a finite volume approach, using monotonic upstream schemes for conservation laws (MUSCL)-type differencing to obtain state variables at cell interface. Variable interpolations were written in the k-scheme formulation. Inviscid fluxes were calculated via Roe's flux-difference splitting, and van Leer's flux-vector splitting techniques, which are considered state of the art. The viscous terms were discretized using a second-order, central-difference operator. Two classes of explicit time integration has been investigated for solving the compressible inviscid/viscous flow problems--two-state predictor-corrector schemes, and multistage time-stepping schemes. The coefficients of the multistage time-stepping schemes have been modified successfully to achieve better performance with upwind differencing. A technique was developed to optimize the coefficients for good high-frequency damping at relatively high CFL numbers. Local time-stepping, implicit residual smoothing, and multigrid procedure were added to the explicit time stepping scheme to accelerate convergence to steady-state. The developed algorithm was implemented successfully in a multi-block code, which provides complete topological and geometric flexibility. The only requirement is C degree continuity of the grid across the block interface. The algorithm has been validated on a diverse set of three-dimensional test cases of increasing complexity. The cases studied were: (1) supersonic corner flow; (2) supersonic plume flow; (3) laminar and turbulent flow over a flat plate; (4) transonic flow over an ONERA M6 wing; and (5) unsteady flow of a compressible jet impinging on a ground plane (with and without cross flow). The emphasis of the test cases was validation of code, and assessment of performance, as well as demonstration of flexibility.

Elmiligui, Alaa↗

On the explicit finite element formulation of the dynamic contact problem of hyperelastic membranes

Contact-impact problems involving finite deformation axisymmetric membranes are solved by the finite element method with explicit time integration. The formulation of the membrane element and the contact constraint conditions are discussed. The hyperelastic, compressible Blatz and Ko material is used to model the material properties of the membrane. Two example problems are presented.

Hallquist, J. O.↗

On the dynamic collapse of a column impacting a rigid surface

Results are presented of an analytical investigation on the dynamic collapse of an elastic periodically supported column. The column has an attached mass at one end and impacts a rigid surface with prescribed velocity and angle of incidence at the other end. A first-order approximate nonlinear analysis is developed in which it is assumed that only first-order nonlinear terms need be retained. Differential equations are derived and solved numerically by explicit time integration in order to determine specific ranges of the basic nondimensional parameters for which the response characteristics are markedly different. To assess modeling sophistication relative to prediction accuracy, a comparison is made of the results from this approximate analysis with those of a finite element computer code based on a convected coordinate formulation.

Housner, J. M.↗

High-Latitude Filtering in a Global Grid-Point Model Using Model Normal Modes

The aim of high-latitude filtering in the vicinity of the poles is to avoid the excessively short time steps imposed on an explicit time-differencing scheme by linear stability due to fast moving inertia-gravity waves near the poles. The model normal mode expansion toward the problem of high-latitude filtering in a global shallow water model using the same philosophy as that used by Daley for the problem for large timesteps in P.E. models with explicit time integration schemes was applied.

Takacs, L. L.↗

A spectral multidomain method for the solution of hyperbolic systems

A multidomain Chebyshev spectral collocation method for solving hyperbolic partial differential equations were developed. Though spectral methods are global methods, an attractive idea is to break a computational domain into several domains, and a way to handle the interfaces is described. The multidomain approach offers advantages over the use of a single Chebyshev grid. It allows complex geometries to be covered, and local refinement can be used to resolve important features. For steady state problems it reduces the stiffness associated with the use of explicit time integration as a relaxation scheme. Furthermore, the proposed method remains spectrally accurate. Results showing performance of the method on one dimensional linear models and one and two dimensional nonlinear gas dynamics problems are presented.

Kopriva, D.↗

Parallel processors and nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms and software

An explicit-explicit subcycling procedure for the finite element analysis of structural dynamics is developed. This procedure has relaxed the usual constraint of requiring integer time step ratios for adjacent nodal groups. This allows for greater advantage to be taken of local stability criteria, and thus improves the efficiency of the explicit time integrator. Example problems are included to demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the method.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Concurrent and vectorized mixed time, explicit nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms

A nonlinear structural dynamics program with an element library that exploits parallel processing is described. The aim is to exploit scheduling-allocation so that parallel processing and vectorization can effectively be treated in a general purpose program with explicit time integration and different time steps in different parts of the mesh. The program uses an element group scheme, which, as a by-product, also provides an automatic scheme for assigning different time steps to different parts of the mesh. The program has been tested on the Alliant FX/8; it shows a fivefold improvement in speed over compiler optimization.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Parallel processors and nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms and software

A nonlinear structural dynamics finite element program was developed to run on a shared memory multiprocessor with pipeline processors. The program, WHAMS, was used as a framework for this work. The program employs explicit time integration and has the capability to handle both the nonlinear material behavior and large displacement response of 3-D structures. The elasto-plastic material model uses an isotropic strain hardening law which is input as a piecewise linear function. Geometric nonlinearities are handled by a corotational formulation in which a coordinate system is embedded at the integration point of each element. Currently, the program has an element library consisting of a beam element based on Euler-Bernoulli theory and trianglar and quadrilateral plate element based on Mindlin theory.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Parallel processors and nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms and software

The adaptation of a finite element program with explicit time integration to a massively parallel SIMD (single instruction multiple data) computer, the CONNECTION Machine is described. The adaptation required the development of a new algorithm, called the exchange algorithm, in which all nodal variables are allocated to the element with an exchange of nodal forces at each time step. The architectural and C* programming language features of the CONNECTION Machine are also summarized. Various alternate data structures and associated algorithms for nonlinear finite element analysis are discussed and compared. Results are presented which demonstrate that the CONNECTION Machine is capable of outperforming the CRAY XMP/14.

Belytschko, Ted↗

A new unified architecture of thermal/structural dynamic algorithms - Applications to coupled thermoelasticity

A new unified architecture of robust thermal-structural dynamic algorithms is presented with emphasis on applications to coupled thermoelasticity. The proposed formulations are based on Lax-Wendroff/Taylor-Galerkin explicit time integration methodology. The applicability of the proposed unified architecture to interdisciplinary problems relevant to coupled dynamic thermoelasticity is demonstrated. The basic concepts and characteristic features of the unified formulations are discussed.

Tamma, Kumar K.↗