XFEM Analyses Using Two-Dimensional Quadrilateral Elements Enriched with Only the Heaviside Step Function

In the framework of the extended finite element method, a two-dimensional four-node quadrilateral element enriched with only the Heaviside step function is formulated for stationary and propagating crack analyses. In the proposed method, two types of signed distance functions are used to implicitly express crack geometry, and finite elements, which interact with the crack, are appropriately partitioned according to the level set values and are then integrated numerically for derivation of the stiffness matrix and internal force vectors. The proposed method was verified by evaluating stress intensity factors, performing crack propagation analyses and comparing the obtained results with reference solutions.

A 4-node quadrilateral element with center-point based discrete shear gap (CP-DSG4)

This work aims at presenting a novel four-node quadrilateral element, which is enhanced by integrating with discrete shear gap (DSG), for analysis of Reissner-Mindlin plates. In contrast to previous studies that are mainly based on three-node triangular elements, here we, for the first time, extend the DSG to four-node quadrilateral elements. We further integrate the fictitious point located at the center of element into the present formulation to eliminate the so-called anisotropy, leading to a simplified and efficient calculation of DSG, and that enhancement results in a novel approach named as "four-node quadrilateral element with center-point based discrete shear gap - CP-DSG4". The accuracy and efficiency of the CP-DSG4 are demonstrated through our numerical experiment, and its computed results are validated against those derived from the three-node triangular element using DSG, and other existing reference solutions.

Isoparametric Element Analysis of Two-Dimensional Unsaturated Transient Seepage

A FEM for unsaturated transient seepage is established by using a quadrilateral isoparametric element, considering the fact that the main permeability does not coincide with the axis situation. It creates a function by using the element’s node hydraulic head and shape function instead of the real head in the Richard seepage control equation. With the help of the Galerkin weighted residual method, a FEM equation is given for analyzing 2-dimensional transient seepage problem. Further, based on the Jacobi matrix and Gauss numerical integral, it determines the elements of stiffness and capacitance matrices. This FEM equation considers not only the anisotropic of soil but also the uncoincidence between permeability and the axis. It is a common form of transient seepage. In the end, two examples illustrate the node accuracy of the quadrilateral element and the correctness of this FEM equation.

Formulation of a New Mixed Four-Node Quadrilateral Element for Static Bending Analysis of Variable Thickness Functionally Graded Material Plates

A new mixed four-node quadrilateral element (MiQ4) is established in this paper to investigate functionally graded material (FGM) plates with variable thickness. The proposed element is developed based on the first-order shear deformation and mixed finite element technique, so the new element does not need any selective or reduced numerical integration. Numerous basic tests have been carried out to demonstrate the accuracy and convergence of the proposed element. Besides, the numerical examples show that the present element is free of shear locking and is insensitive to the mesh distortion, especially for the case of very thin plates. The present element can be applied to analyze plates with arbitrary geometries; it leads to reducing the computation cost. Several parameter studies are performed to show the roles of some parameters such as the power-law index, side-to-thickness ratio, boundary conditions (BCs), and variation of the plate thickness on the static bending behavior of the FGM plates.