Deformation extrapolation and initial predictors in large-deformation finite element analysis (Q1904900)

The author widely discusses the procedures for nonlinear incremental analysis of deformable solids under large rotations. The commonly used material velocity field extrapolation method, in the case of large rotation increments of the body, results in large stretches including volume change. Constant velocity field during the time increment leads to a poor initial estimate of equilibrium solution at the end of the incremental step, since the result of the iterative process may depend strongly on the accuracy of the initial predictor. The author proposes a deformation gradient extrapolation method, which involves extrapolation of the stretch and rotational field rather than the displacement field. These two components allow to reconstruct local deformation gradients which are, in general case, incompatible. However, a compatible deformation field is recovered by minimization of a quadratic functional. An initial predictor is determined that is more accurate than one given by the simple constant velocity assumption. The background of the problem is widely discussed, the mathematical considerations explain the idea of the approach. Finite element implementation of the method includes the step-by-step procedure. Numerical examples prove the efficiency in the case of three-dimensional structures. The paper is addressed mainly to practicians working in the field of discrete analysis of deformable bodies with large rotations.