A Three-Node Triangular Finite Element for Static Limit Analysis
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 146, Issue 9
Abstract
A three-node triangular finite element is developed for the static theorem of limit analysis to discretize plane strain and stress problems. The element does not provide rigorous lower-bound solutions because the equilibrium equations and mechanical boundary conditions are satisfied on average, but exhibits a remarkable performance as illustrated by standard benchmark tests. Nowhere does the generated stress field violate the traction continuity across the element interfaces and the yield criterion. The stated nonlinear convex optimization problem is cast as second-order cone programming before its solution by a robust interior-point algorithm implemented in the dedicated solver MOSEK.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Apr 6, 2019
Accepted: Apr 22, 2020
Published online: Jul 2, 2020
Published in print: Sep 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Dec 2, 2020
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