One-step and linear multistep methods for nonlinear consolidation (Q1205110)

The behavior of numerical ODE methods for the solution of nonlinear consolidation is investigated. One-step algorithms based on the generalized trapezoidal method and linear multistep methods based on the backward differentiation formulas (BDF) are considered. Mechanical deformation is coupled with fluid flow via a formulation based on Biot's three-dimensional consolidation theory. The resulting nonlinear FE matrix equations are cast in such a form that the one-step and the BDF methods can be coded in a similar fashion via the use of a displacement difference operator. Accuracy and stability analyses are presented for both the one-step and BDF methods.