Coupling of boundary and finite elements for soil-structure interaction problems

The investigation of complex soil-structure interaction problems is usually carried out with numerical solution procedures such as the finite element or the boundary element method. It must be noted, however, that the choice of one or the other of these approaches is not just a matter of preferences; depending on the type of the problem under consideration, either boundary or finite elements may be more advantageous. A considerable expansion in the computational power can be obtained, on the other hand, if one resorts to hybrid schemes which retain the main advantages of the two methods and eliminate their respective disadvantages. This paper presents results obtained with a boundary element-finite element coupling procedure, and discusses its applicability to some representative soil-structure interaction problems. The structures considered are elastic systems, such as foundations, tunnels and filled trenches (modelled by finite elements), which are coupled with homogeneous elastic halfspaces (modelled by boundary elements). The examples demonstrate the importance of using a model that includes wave radiation effects. The coupling approach is formulated entirely in the time domain so that an extension of the algorithm to non-linear analyses seems to present no further difficulties.     

Three-dimensional em modeling

Three-dimensional (3D) interpretation of electromagnetic (EM) dsta is still in its infancy, due to a lack of practical numerical solutions for the forward problem. However, a number of algorithms for simulating the responses of simple 3D models have been developed over the last ten years, and they have provided important new insight. Integral equation methods have been more successful than differential equation methods, because they require calculating the electric field only in small anomalous regions, rather than throughout the earth. Utilizing a vector-scalar potential approach and incorporating symmetry through group theory improves the general 3D integral equation solution. Thin-sheet integral equation formulations have been particularly useful. Much recent research has focused on hybrid methods, which are finite element differential equation solutions within a mesh of limited extent, with boundary values determined by integrating over the interior fields. An elegant eigencurrent technique has been developed for calculating the transient response of a thin 3D sheet in free space, but general 3D time domain responses have only been calculated by Fourier transforming frequency domain results. Direct time domain calculations have been carried out only for 2D bodies.     

The development of stochastic space transformation and diagrammatic perturbation techniques in subsurface hydrology

This paper develops concepts and methods to study stochastic hydrologic models. Problems regarding the application of the existing stochastic approaches in the study of groundwater flow are acknowledged, and an attempt is made to develop efficient means for their solution. These problems include: the spatial multi-dimensionality of the differential equation models governing transport-type phenomena; physically unrealistic assumptions and approximations and the inadequacy of the ordinary perturbation techniques. Multi-dimensionality creates serious mathematical and technical difficulties in the stochastic analysis of groundwater flow, due to the need for large mesh sizes and the poorly conditioned matrices arising from numerical approximations. An alternative to the purely computational approach is to simplify the complex partial differential equations analytically. This can be achieved efficiently by means of a space transformation approach, which transforms the original multi-dimensional problem to a much simpler unidimensional space. The space transformation method is applied to stochastic partial differential equations whose coefficients are random functions of space and/or time. Such equations constitute an integral part of groundwater flow and solute transport. Ordinary perturbation methods for studying stochastic flow equations are in many cases physically inadequate and may lead to questionable approximations of the actual flow. To address these problems, a perturbation analysis based on Feynman-diagram expansions is proposed in this paper. This approach incorporates important information on spatial variability and fulfills essential physical requirements, both important advantages over ordinary hydrologic perturbation techniques. Moreover, the diagram-expansion approach reduces the original stochastic flow problem to a closed set of equations for the mean and the covariance function.     

The development of stochastic space transformation and diagrammatic perturbation techniques in subsurface hydrology

This paper develops concepts and methods to study stochastic hydrologic models. Problems regarding the application of the existing stochastic approaches in the study of groundwater flow are acknowledged, and an attempt is made to develop efficient means for their solution. These problems include: the spatial multi-dimensionality of the differential equation models governing transport-type phenomena; physically unrealistic assumptions and approximations and the inadequacy of the ordinary perturbation techniques. Multi-dimensionality creates serious mathematical and technical difficulties in the stochastic analysis of groundwater flow, due to the need for large mesh sizes and the poorly conditioned matrices arising from numerical approximations. An alternative to the purely computational approach is to simplify the complex partial differential equations analytically. This can be achieved efficiently by means of a space transformation approach, which transforms the original multi-dimensional problem to a much simpler unidimensional space. The space transformation method is applied to stochastic partial differential equations whose coefficients are random functions of space and/or time. Such equations constitute an integral part of groundwater flow and solute transport. Ordinary perturbation methods for studying stochastic flow equations are in many cases physically inadequate and may lead to questionable approximations of the actual flow. To address these problems, a perturbation analysis based on Feynman-diagram expansions is proposed in this paper. This approach incorporates important information on spatial variability and fulfills essential physical requirements, both important advantages over ordinary hydrologic perturbation techniques. Moreover, the diagram-expansion approach reduces the original stochastic flow problem to a closed set of equations for the mean and the covariance function.     

Application of a perfectly matched layer in seismic wavefield simulation with an irregular free surface

Recently, an effective and powerful approach for simulating seismic wave propagation in elastic media with an irregular free surface was proposed. However, in previous studies, researchers used the periodic condition and/or sponge boundary condition to attenuate artificial reflections at boundaries of a computational domain. As demonstrated in many literatures, either the periodic condition or sponge boundary condition is simple but much less effective than the well‐known perfectly matched layer boundary condition. In view of this, we intend to introduce a perfectly matched layer to simulate seismic wavefields in unbounded models with an irregular free surface. We first incorporate a perfectly matched layer into wave equations formulated in a frequency domain in Cartesian coordinates. We then transform them back into a time domain through inverse Fourier transformation. Afterwards, we use a boundary‐conforming grid and map a rectangular grid onto a curved one, which allows us to transform the equations and free surface boundary conditions from Cartesian coordinates to curvilinear coordinates. As numerical examples show, if free surface boundary conditions are imposed at the top border of a model, then it should also be incorporated into the perfectly matched layer imposed at the top‐left and top‐ right corners of a 2D model where the free surface boundary conditions and perfectly matched layer encounter; otherwise, reflections will occur at the intersections of the free surface and the perfectly matched layer, which is confirmed in this paper. So, by replacing normal second derivatives in wave equations in curvilinear coordinates with free surface boundary conditions, we successfully implement the free surface boundary conditions into the perfectly matched layer at the top‐left and top‐right corners of a 2D model at the surface. A number of numerical examples show that the perfectly matched layer constructed in this study is effective in simulating wave propagation in unbounded media and the algorithm for implementation of the perfectly matched layer and free surface boundary conditions is stable for long‐time wavefield simulation on models with an irregular free surface.     

弱形式时域完美匹配层

应用高精度人工边界条件可有效提升近场波动数值模拟计算效率.完美匹配层是吸收层形式高精度人工边界条件,匹配层内场方程和界面条件通常分别采用复坐标延伸技术变换强形式无限域内波动方程和界面条件得到,亦曾将无限域界面条件当作匹配层界面条件.场方程和界面条件构建过程相互独立,可能出现匹配不合理而引发数值失稳、计算精度低下等问题.本文提出采用复坐标延伸技术变换弱形式无限域波动方程以构建完美匹配层的方法.弱形式波动方程耦合了波动方程及界面条件,进而规避了变换后所得场方程与界面条件之间的匹配不合理问题.新方法可直接建立弱形式匹配层,在此基础上亦可给出强形式匹配层.弱形式便于有限元离散,强形式便于有限差分离散.基于弱形式完美匹配层,结合勒让德谱元建立了弹性介质近场波动谱元模拟方案.利用算例验证了新方案的精度及数值稳定性.本文工作可直接推广至多相耦合介质近场波动数值模拟.     

高精度有限差分地震波正演方法

三维地震模拟不仅可以更精确地研究地震波的传播规律,而且是三维地震资料处理和解释的工具。本文采用精细积分法用于求解波动方程.对波动方程在空间采用差分格式,时间域采用积分法求解析的方法。文中详细论述了精细积分法的数值方法,并给出了计算公式。理论分析和数值算例的结果表明了用这种混合方法得到的解与精确解十分吻合,比有限差分法具有更高的精度。文中给出的地震波正演模拟算例说明了该方法适用于复杂地表和复杂构造地质体。     

A Finite Element Algorithm of a Nonlinear Diffusive Climate Energy Balance Model

We present a finite element algorithm of a climate diagnostic model that takes as a climate indicator the atmospheric sea-level temperature. This model belongs to the category of energy balance models introduced independently by the climatologists M.I. Budyko and W.D. Sellers in 1969 to study the influence of certain geophysical mechanisms on the Earth climate. The energy balance model we are dealing with consists of a two-dimensional nonlinear parabolic problem on the 2-sphere with the albedo terms formulated according to Budyko as a bounded maximal monotone graph in The numerical model combines the first-order Euler implicit time discretization scheme with linear finite elements for space discretization, the latter is carried out for the special case of a spherical Earth and uses quasi-uniform spherical triangles as finite elements. The numerical formulation yields a nonlinear problem that is solved by an iterative procedure. We performed different numerical simulations starting with an initial datum consisting of a monthly average temperature field, calculated from the temperature field obtained from 50 years of simulations, corresponding to the period 1950–2000, carried out by the Atmosphere General Circulation Model HIRLAM.     

Dynamic interaction numerical models in the time domain based on the high performance scaled boundary finite element method

Consideration of structure-foundation-soil dynamic interaction is a basic requirement in the evaluation of the seismic safety of nuclear power facilities. An efficient and accurate dynamic interaction numerical model in the time domain has become an important topic of current research. In this study, the scaled boundary finite element method （SBFEM） is improved for use as an effective numerical approach with good application prospects. This method has several advantages, including dimensionality reduction, accuracy of the radial analytical solution, and unlike other boundary element methods, it does not require a fundamental solution. This study focuses on establishing a high performance scaled boundary finite element interaction analysis model in the time domain based on the acceleration unit-impulse response matrix, in which several new solution techniques, such as a dimensionless method to solve the interaction force, are applied to improve the numerical stability of the actual soil parameters and reduce the amount of calculation. Finally, the feasibility of the time domain methods are illustrated by the response of the nuclear power structure and the accuracy of the algorithms are dynamically verified by comparison with the refinement of a large-scale viscoelastic soil model.     

Visco‐acoustic prestack reverse‐time migration based on the time‐space domain adaptive high‐order finite‐difference method

It is important to include the viscous effect in seismic numerical modelling and seismic migration due to the ubiquitous viscosity in an actual subsurface medium. Prestack reverse‐time migration (RTM) is currently one of the most accurate methods for seismic imaging. One of the key steps of RTM is wavefield forward and backward extrapolation and how to solve the wave equation fast and accurately is the essence of this process. In this paper, we apply the time‐space domain dispersion‐relation‐based finite‐difference (FD) method for visco‐acoustic wave numerical modelling. Dispersion analysis and numerical modelling results demonstrate that the time‐space domain FD method has great accuracy and can effectively suppress numerical dispersion. Also, we use the time‐space domain FD method to solve the visco‐acoustic wave equation in wavefield extrapolation of RTM and apply the source‐normalized cross‐correlation imaging condition in migration. Improved imaging has been obtained in both synthetic and real data tests. The migration result of the visco‐acoustic wave RTM is clearer and more accurate than that of acoustic wave RTM. In addition, in the process of wavefield forward and backward extrapolation, we adopt adaptive variable‐length spatial operators to compute spatial derivatives to significantly decrease computing costs without reducing the accuracy of the numerical solution.     

适于声波方程数值模拟的时间-空间域有限差分算子改进线性算法

有限差分法广泛应用于地震波场的数值延拓,确定合适的有限差分算子以减小数值频散是有限差分法的一个重要研究内容。近年来为了进一步抑制数值频散和增加时间步长,新的有限差分模板得到了应用,对于此,前人使用泰勒展开方法和最小二乘方法确定有限差分算子系数。本文在以前工作的基础上,使用改进的线性方法确定新模板的有限差分系数,并与传统模板线性方法进行对比;通过频散分析和正演模拟验证出新模板线性方法能够更好地保持频散关系,在相同的精度下效率提高了一倍,从而说明了改进的线性方法的有效性。     

Seismic analysis of underground tunnels by the 2.5D finite/infinite element approach

A procedure for the seismic analysis of underground tunnels using recorded free-field earthquakes based on the 2.5D finite/infinite element approach is presented. The near and far fields of the half space are modeled by finite and infinite elements, respectively. Using the 1D wave theory, the nodal force and displacement on the near-field boundary are computed for each spectral frequency of the earthquake. Then, equivalent seismic forces are computed for the near-field boundary for the earthquake spectrum. By assuming the soil-tunnel system to be uniform along the tunnel axis, the 2.5D approach can account for the wave transmission along the tunnel axis, which reduces to the 2D case for infinite transmission velocity. The horizontal and vertical components of the 1999 Chi-Chi Earthquake (TCU068) are adopted as the free-field motions in the numerical analysis. The maximal stresses and distribution patterns of the tunnel section under the P- and SV-waves are thoroughly studied by the 2.5D and 2D approaches, which should prove useful to the design of underground tunnels.     

DIFFRACTION BY A WEDGE IN AN ACOUSTIC CONSTANT DENSITY MEDIUM1

A new method is presented for solving the 2D problem of diffraction of a plane wave by a wedge of arbitrary angle in a purely acoustic, constant-density medium with different constant compressional wave speeds inside and outside the wedge. The diffraction problem is formulated as integral equations, and a wavenumber–frequency representation of the scattered field is obtained. With the aid of the Cagniard–de Hoop method, exact analytical expressions in the space–time domain are obtained for the different wave constituents, i.e. geometric optical scattered waves and edge diffracted waves including head waves. These expressions can be computed to any degree of accuracy within reasonable computation times on a computer, and the semi-analytical method of solution presented thus constitutes a means of constructing reference solutions for wedge configurations. Such highly accurate reference solutions are of importance for verification of results that include diffraction phenomena modelled by general numerical approximate methods, e.g. finite differences, finite elements and spectral methods. Examples of such applications of the method of solution are given.     

Two- and three-dimensional modelling of half-space and train-track embankment under dynamic loading

Two modelling approaches for the analyses of half-space and train-track embankment on half-space subjected to dynamic loads are presented and compared. A three-dimensional (3D) modelling approach is performed by a coupled Boundary Element–Boundary Element method (BE–BE) and a two-dimensional (2D) one by a coupled Boundary Element–Finite Element method (BE–FE). Both approaches employ time domain algorithms. The comparison between the results of the presented approaches points out whether a problem can be treated as a 2D or as a 3D case. As an application, a parametric study of the wave propagation problem in a train-track embankment with an underlying half-space is presented.     

3D viscous-spring artificial boundary in time domain

After a brief review of studies on artificial boundaries in dynamic soil-structure interaction, a three-dimensional viscous-spring artificial boundary （VSAB） in the time domain is developed in this paper. First, the 3D VSAB equations in the normal and tangential directions are derived based on the elastic wave motion theory. Secondly, a numerical simulation technique of wave motion equations along with the VSAB condition in the time domain is studied. Finally, numerical examples of some classical elastic wave motion problems are presented and the results are compared with the associated theoretical solutions, demonstrating that high precision and adequate stability can be achieved by using the proposed 3D VSAB. The proposed 3D VSAB can be conveniently incorporated in the general finite element program, which is commonly used to study dynamic soil-structure interaction problems.     

Dynamic analysis of structures with Maxwell model

A numerical method has been developed for the dynamic analysis of a tall building structure with viscous dampers. Viscous dampers are installed between the top of an inverted V‐shaped brace and the upper beam on each storey to reduce vibrations during strong disturbances like earthquakes. Analytically, it is modelled as a multi‐degree‐of freedom (MDOF) system with the Maxwell models. First, the computational method is formulated in the time domain by introducing a finite element of the Maxwell model into the equation of motion in the discrete‐time system, which is based on the direct numerical integration. Next, analyses for numerical stability and accuracy of the proposed method are discussed. The results show its numerical stability. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the numerical analysis of a realistic building structure to demonstrate its practical validity.     

Efficient and accurate computation of seismic traveltimes and amplitudes

We describe two practicable approaches for an efficient computation of seismic traveltimes and amplitudes. The first approach is based on a combined finite‐difference solution of the eikonal equation and the transport equation (the ‘FD approach’). These equations are formulated as hyperbolic conservation laws; the eikonal equation is solved numerically by a third‐order ENO–Godunov scheme for the traveltimes whereas the transport equation is solved by a first‐order upwind scheme for the amplitudes. The schemes are implemented in 2D using polar coordinates. The results are first‐arrival traveltimes and the corresponding amplitudes. The second approach uses ray tracing (the ‘ray approach’) and employs a wavefront construction (WFC) method to calculate the traveltimes. Geometrical spreading factors are then computed from these traveltimes via the ray propagator without the need for dynamic ray tracing or numerical differentiation. With this procedure it is also possible to obtain multivalued traveltimes and the corresponding geometrical spreading factors. Both methods are compared using the Marmousi model. The results show that the FD eikonal traveltimes are highly accurate and perfectly match the WFC traveltimes. The resulting FD amplitudes are smooth and consistent with the geometrical spreading factors obtained from the ray approach. Hence, both approaches can be used for fast and reliable computation of seismic first‐arrival traveltimes and amplitudes in complex models. In addition, the capabilities of the ray approach for computing traveltimes and spreading factors of later arrivals are demonstrated with the help of the Shell benchmark model.     

瞬变电磁法正演计算进展

详细介绍了瞬变电磁法正演计算的方法、现状和发展趋势.瞬变电磁法一维正演计算需要将电磁场从频率域转换至时间域,转换方法有三种,分别是Gaver-Stehfest算法、余弦变换和Guptasarma算法.在这三种方法中,使用较多的是Gaver-Stehfest算法和余弦变换,Gaver-Stehfest算法速度较快,但精度不及余弦变换.瞬变电磁法的数值模拟主要集中于2.5维和三维,使用的数值计算方法有积分方程法、有限差分法、有限单元法和SLDM法.积分方程法主要在三维数值模拟中使用,现已很少使用;有限差分法和有限单元法是目前瞬变电磁法2.5维和三维数值模拟的主要方法;SLDM法主要应用于三维数值模拟.我国瞬变电磁法正演计算成果主要集中在回线源激发的瞬变电磁场一维数值计算和利用有限单元法进行2.5维和三维数值模拟.瞬变电磁法正演计算的发展趋势有:数值算法的改进、提高计算效率和研究地形对瞬变电磁场的影响规律.     

Benchmark on the numerical simulations of the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic evolution of tidal channels and tidal inlets

A correct understanding of the hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of tidal basins is of fundamental importance for the fate of the Venice Lagoon, Italy. If on one hand, the development of sophisticated numerical models is called for in order to reproduce the complexity of the mechanisms governing the morphodynamic evolution of many natural environments, including lagoons, on the other hand, a clear knowledge of the reliability and limits of the results provided by these models is crucial in order to establish the condition under which they can be safely applied. To this aim, researchers involved in numerical modeling in the framework of the recent Corila research programmes, agreed to perform an accurate comparison of results provided by three different numerical models, applying them to the test case offered by the experimental investigations performed under controlled conditions by Tambroni et al. (2005a). Here, we consider the following numerical models: (i) a 2D finite element hydrodynamic model coupled with a 2D finite volume morphodynamic model (5 and 3); (ii) a 2D finite element morphodynamic model (Ferrarin et al., 2008); (iii) a 2D depth-averaged model for the inlet region, coupled with a 1D model for the channel (Tambroni et al., 2005b). A first set of simulations concerns the fixed bed case and shows that all the models provide similar results: in particular, they are able to predict the observed free surface oscillations satisfactorily, while comparison with the measured velocity field is less satisfactory. Moreover, as far as the flow field at the inlet is concerned, the models describe accurately the potential flow into the channel during the flood phase, while they are not able to adequately reproduce the occurrence of the fine structure of the shear layers shed by the inlet edges during the ebb phase. This limit is related to the shallow water character of the models. As for the morphodynamics, the long term equilibrium configurations of the bottom of the channel and of the near inlet region show qualitative agreement with the experimental observations, although in this case the differences between the results provided by the distinct numerical approaches are more marked.     

A numerical method of moments for solute transport in physically and chemically nonstationary formations: linear equilibrium sorption with random K<Subscript>d</Subscript>

A Lagrangian perturbation method is applied to develop a method of moments for solute flux through a three-dimensional nonstationary flow field. The flow nonstationarity stems from medium nonstationarity and internal and external boundaries of the study domain. The solute flux is described as a space-time process where time refers to the solute flux breakthrough through a control plane (CP) at some distance downstream of the solute source and space refers to the transverse displacement distribution at the CP. The analytically derived moment equations for solute transport in a nonstationarity flow field are too complicated to solve analytically, a numerical finite difference method is implemented to obtain the solutions. This approach combines the stochastic model with the flexibility of the numerical method to boundary and initial conditions. The developed method is applied to study the effects of heterogeneity and nonstationarity of the hydraulic conductivity and chemical sorption coefficient on solute transport. The study results indicate all these factors will significantly influence the mean and variance of solute flux.