Generalized finite element method for multiscale analysis

Abstract

This dissertation describes a new version of the Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM), which is well suited for problems set in domains with a large number of internal features (e.g. voids, inclusions, etc.), which are practically impossible to solve using the standard FEM. The main idea is to employ the mesh-based handbook functions which are solutions of boundary value problems in domains extracted from vertex patches of the employed mesh and are pasted into the global approximation by the Partition of Unity Method (PUM). It is shown that the p-version of the Generalized FEM using mesh-based handbook functions is capable of achieving very high accuracy.

It is also analyzed that the effect of the main factors affecting the accuracy of the method namely: (a) The data and the buffer included in the handbook domains, and (b) The accuracy of the numerical construction of the handbook functions. The robustness of the method is illustrated by several model problems defined in domains with a large number of closely spaced voids and/or inclusions with various shapes, including the heat conduction problem defined on domains with porous media and/or a real composite material.