Adaptive remeshing methods for finite element simulation of composite material processing.

In finite element analysis of the deformation of composites, the elements may become severely distorted. Such distortion of the elements and boundaries of the workpiece may introduce a negative Jacobean determinant for elements and thereby cause unacceptable numerical errors. In view of the computational difficulties, the current study uses adaptive remeshing with a rigid-viscoplastic finite element model. Geometrically complex boundaries, interfacial friction, heat transfer, thermal effects, and the mismatch of constituents between materials are taken into account. The numerical procedure has been applied to solve the coupled material flow and temperature equations during each quasi-static time step. An error measure associated with the interpolation of nodal strain values ensures good approximations of the finite element model. In addition, the schemes of making subdomains together with an automatic mesh-generator were utilized to remesh the original finite element model associated with material interfaces. A parameter for the localization of strain was discussed. A metal matrix composites process was simulated to understand the forming of shear band. In addition, a new friction model based on the sinusoidal asperities was developed. The constant of shear friction being dependent on the normalized pressure was calculated through the movement of a rigid flat punch. A program code based on six-nodes triangular elements following the current theoretical framework was used to examine several numerical examples; such as back extrusion, upsetting, and compression of composites. These studies indicate that adaptive remeshing method provides a successful simulation for some composite material processes.PhDMechanical EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/103987/1/9423247.pdfDescription of 9423247.pdf : Restricted to UM users only