3D IEM formulation with an IEM/FEM coupling scheme for solving elastostatic problems
In this paper, a detailed three-dimensional infinite element methodology (IEM) formulation with an infinite element (IE)finite element (FE) coupling scheme for investigating elastostatic problems is presented. This method is equally well suited for a regular perfect domain and a domain with geometric singularity; for example, domains with cracks. In this method, the primary problem domain is subdivided into two sub-domains modeled separately using IEM and finite element method (FEM), respectively. All degrees of freedom related to the IE sub-domain, except for those associated with the coupling interface, are condensed and transformed to form a finite master IE with the master nodes on the sub-domain boundary. Finally, a symmetrical IE stiffness matrix containing only master node degrees of freedom is assembled into the system stiffness matrix for the FE sub-domain. A very fine mesh pattern can be established using these efficient numerical techniques without increasing the d.o.f.'s of the global FEM solution. Numerical examples are presented and compared with the corresponding analytical or numerical solutions to show the performance of the proposed methodology.
infinite element 3d finite element method 3d infinite element method iefe coupling method