Trefftz-type boundary elements for the evaluation of symmetric coefficient matrices (Q1804497)

The main objective is to discuss solution representations for elasticity problems as a tool for a systematic construction of singular Trefftz-type trial functions for displacements and stresses. For ready use, a list of solution representations and particular solutions for two- and three-dimensional elasticity problems is given which do not appear together elsewhere. The classical Trefftz method can the generalized such that different types of finite elements and boundary elements can be obtained. In a Trefftz-type approach, functions are utilized which a priori satisfy the governing differential equation. For Trefftz-type finite element, the author chooses the complex functions as complex power series whereas for boundary element algorithm singular functions are chosen for \(\Phi, X, \Psi\), etc. The complex functions are chosen in the form of Cauchy integral \(f(z) = {1 \over 2 \pi i} \int_\Gamma {f(\zeta) \over \zeta - z} d\zeta\), where \(f(z)\) stands for the complex function. After discretising the boundary \(\Gamma\) into \(N\) straight line boundary elements with boundary portions \(\Gamma_j\) \((j = 1, 2, \dots, N)\), and choosing basis functions \(\widehat f^j\) for every element, a discretized form for the Cauchy type integrals is given: \(f(z) = {1 \over 2 \pi i} \sum_j \int_{\Gamma_i} {\widehat f^j(\zeta) \over \zeta - z} d\zeta\). For every element of the fifth or greater order basis functions are chosen which are listed along with relevant expressions for shape functions involved. Trefftz-trial functions with singular expressions on the boundary are constructed such that physical components remain finite in the solution domain and on the boundary. The unknown coefficients of the linearly independent Trefftz trial functions for physical components (stresses, strains, displacements) are obtained by using a variational formulaton. The symmetric coefficient matrix in the procedure are obtained from evaluation of boundary integrals. For testing the discussed symmetric boundary elements, the stiffness matrices for triangular and quadrilateral domains under bending have been calculated. One of examples is a triangular Kirchhoff plate bending element. On every edge of the triangular finite element, one boundary element is used for discretisation of the Cauchy integrals. Since the evaluation of the symmetric stiffness matrices is based on a variational formulation, the author obtains finite element matrices for every triangular subdomains, and uses a standard finite element programme to assemble the element stiffness matrices into global stiffness matrix. For one quarter of simply supported square plate under uniform load the results on the maximum deflection are listed in a tabular form. Using the proposed boundary element techniques, symmetric stiffness matrices for irregular shaped subdomains can be derived with some programme modification.