Fast Simulation Models for History Dependent and Non-Linear Time Consuming Finite Element Analyses

GE is looking for a fast simulation model for solid contact problems with friction that can be used to perform parametric studies in a practical way. Currently, GE relies on an ANSYS finite element model with Coulomb friction but the model requires several hours of CPU time per run. The study group determined that the simplest solution to this problem is to use parallel processing. A parallel finite element model was setup and run on one of the KAUST multiprocessor machines and produced significant speedups with very little effort allowing practical parametric studies to be performed. The study group also noted that additional optimizations both in the finite element model and in analytical or semi-analytical representations of the bodies in contact can produce additional speedups. This might be essential for three-dimensional problems