arXiv subjects

Thomas Wick

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas Wick.

69 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Dynamic and weighted stabilizations of the $L$-scheme applied to a phase-field model for fracture propagation

We consider a phase-field fracture propagation model, which consists of two (nonlinear) coupled partial differential equations. The first equation describes the displacement evolution, and the second is a smoothed indicator variable, describing the crack position. We propose an iterative scheme, the so-called $L$-scheme, with a dynamic update of the stabilization parameters during the iterations. Our algorithmic improvements are substantiated with two numerical tests. The dynamic adjustments of the stabilization parameters lead to a significant reduction of iteration numbers in comparison to constant stabilization values.

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arXiv2019

Optimization with nonstationary, nonlinear monolithic fluid-structure interaction

Within this work, we consider optimization settings for nonlinear, nonstationary fluid-structure interaction. The problem is formulated in a monolithic fashion using the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian framework to set-up the fluid-structure forward problem. In the optimization approach, either optimal control or parameter estimation problems are treated. In the latter, the stiffness of the solid is estimated from given reference values. In the numerical solution, the optimization problem is solved with a gradient-based solution algorithm. The nonlinear subproblems of the FSI forward problem are solved with a Newton method including line search. Specifically, we will formally provide the backward-in-time running adjoint state used for gradient computations. Our algorithmic developments are demonstrated with some numerical examples as for instance extensions of the well-known fluid-structure benchmark settings and a flapping membrane test in a channel flow with elastic walls.

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arXiv2019

Mesh adaptivity for quasi-static phase-field fractures based on a residual-type a posteriori error estimator

In this work, we consider adaptive mesh refinement for a monolithic phase-field description for fractures in brittle materials. Our approach is based on an a posteriori error estimator for the phase-field variational inequality realizing the fracture irreversibility constraint. The key goal is the development of a reliable and efficient residual-type error estimator for the phase-field fracture model in each time-step. Based on this error estimator, error indicators for local mesh adaptivity are extracted. The proposed estimator is based on a technique known for singularly perturbed equations in combination with estimators for variational inequalities. These theoretical developments are used to formulate an adaptive mesh refinement algorithm. For the numerical solution, the fracture irreversibility is imposed using a Lagrange multiplier. The resulting saddle-point system has three unknowns: displacements, phase-field, and a Lagrange multiplier for the crack irreversibility. Several numerical experiments demonstrate our theoretical findings with the newly developed estimators and the corresponding refinement strategy.

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arXiv2019

An Adaptive Global-Local Approach for Phase-Field Modeling of Anisotropic Brittle Fracture

This work addresses an efficient Global-Local approach supplemented with predictor-corrector adaptivity applied to anisotropic phase-field brittle fracture. The phase-field formulation is used to resolve the sharp crack surface topology on the anisotropic/non-uniform local state in the regularized concept. To resolve the crack phase-field by a given single preferred direction, second-order structural tensors are imposed to both the bulk and crack surface density functions. Accordingly, a split in tension and compression modes in anisotropic materials is considered. A Global-Local formulation is proposed, in which the full displacement/phase-field problem is solved on a lower (local) scale, while dealing with a purely linear elastic problem on an upper (global) scale. Robin-type boundary conditions are introduced to relax the stiff local response at the global scale and enhancing its stabilization. Another important aspect of this contribution is the development of an adaptive Global-Local approach, where a predictor-corrector scheme is designed in which the local domains are dynamically updated during the computation. To cope with different finite element discretizations at the interface between the two nested scales, a non-matching dual mortar method is formulated. Hence, more regularity is achieved on the interface. Several numerical results substantiate our developments.

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arXiv2019

Analysis of a Legendre spectral element method (LSEM) for the two-dimensional system of a nonlinear stochastic advection-reaction-diffusion models

In this work, we develop a Legendre spectral element method (LSEM) for solving the stochastic nonlinear system of advection-reaction-diffusion models. The used basis functions are based on a class of Legendre functions such that their mass and diffuse matrices are tridiagonal and diagonal, respectively. The temporal variable is discretized by a Crank--Nicolson finite difference formulation. In the stochastic direction, we also employ a random variable $W$ based on the $Q-$Wiener process. We inspect the rate of convergence and the unconditional stability for the achieved semi-discrete formulation. Then, the Legendre spectral element technique is used to obtain a full-discrete scheme. The error estimation of the proposed numerical scheme is substantiated based upon the energy method. The numerical results confirm the theoretical analysis.

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arXiv2019

Generalized moving least squares and moving kriging least squares approximations for solving the transport equation on the sphere

In this work, we apply two meshless methods for the numerical solution of the time-dependent transport equation defined on the sphere in spherical coordinates. The first technique, which was introduced by Mirzaei (BIT Numerical Mathematics, 54 (4) 1041-1063, 2017) in Cartesian coordinates is a generalized moving least squares approximation, and the second one, which is developed here, is moving kriging least squares interpolation on the sphere. These methods do not depend on the background mesh or triangulation, and they can be implemented on the transport equation in spherical coordinates easily using different distribution points. Furthermore, the time variable is approximated by a second-order backward differential formula. The obtained fully discrete scheme is solved via the biconjugate gradient stabilized algorithm with zero-fill incomplete lower-upper (ILU) preconditioner at each time step. Three well-known test problems namely solid body rotation, vortex roll-up, and deformational flow are solved to demonstrate our developments.

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arXiv2019

A Phase-Field Description for Pressurized and Non-Isothermal Propagating Fractures

In this work, we extend a phase-field approach for pressurized fractures to non-isothermal settings. Specifically, the pressure and the temperature are given quantities and the emphasis is on the correct modeling of the interface laws between a porous medium and the fracture. The resulting model is augmented with thermodynamical arguments and then analyzed from a mechanical perspective. The numerical solution is based on a robust semi-smooth Newton approach in which the linear equation systems are solved with a generalized minimal residual method and algebraic multigrid preconditioning. The proposed modeling and algorithmic developments are substantiated with different examples in two- and three dimensions. We notice that for some of these configurations manufactured solutions can be constructed, allowing for a careful verification of our implementation. Furthermore, crack-oriented predictor-corrector adaptivity and a parallel implementation are used to keep the computational cost reasonable. Snapshots of iteration numbers show an excellent performance of the nonlinear and linear solution algorithms. Lastly, for some tests, a computational analysis of the effects of strain-energy splitting is performed, which has not been undertaken to date for similar phase-field settings involving pressure, fluids or non-isothermal effects.

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arXiv2019

An iterative staggered scheme for phase field brittle fracture propagation with stabilizing parameters

This paper concerns the analysis and implementation of a novel iterative staggered scheme for quasi-static brittle fracture propagation models, where the fracture evolution is tracked by a phase field variable. The model we consider is a two-field variational inequality system, with the phase field function and the elastic displacements of the solid material as independent variables. Using a penalization strategy, this variational inequality system is transformed into a variational equality system, which is the formulation we take as the starting point for our algorithmic developments. The proposed scheme involves a partitioning of this model into two subproblems; phase field and mechanics, with added stabilization terms to both subproblems for improved efficiency and robustness. We analyze the convergence of the proposed scheme using a fixed point argument, and find that under a natural condition, the elastic mechanical energy remains bounded, and, if the diffusive zone around crack surfaces is sufficiently thick, monotonic convergence is achieved. Finally, the proposed scheme is validated numerically with several bench-mark problems.

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arXiv2019

Multigoal-oriented optimal control problems with nonlinear PDE constraints

In this work, we consider an optimal control problem subject to a nonlinear PDE constraint and apply it to the regularized $p$-Laplace equation. To this end, a reduced unconstrained optimization problem in terms of the control variable is formulated. Based on the reduced approach, we then derive an a posteriori error representation and mesh adaptivity for multiple quantities of interest. All quantities are combined to one, and then the dual-weighted residual (DWR) method is applied to this combined functional. Furthermore, the estimator allows for balancing the discretization error and the nonlinear iteration error. These developments allow us to formulate an adaptive solution strategy, which is finally substantiated via several numerical examples.

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arXiv2019

Matrix-free multigrid solvers for phase-field fracture problems

In this work, we present a framework for the matrix-free solution to a monolithic quasi-static phase-field fracture model with geometric multigrid methods. Using a standard matrix based approach within the Finite Element Method requires lots of memory, which eventually becomes a serious bottleneck. A matrix-free approach overcomes this problems and greatly reduces the amount of required memory, allowing to solve larger problems on available hardware. One key challenge is concerned with the crack irreversibility for which a primal-dual active set method is employed. Here, the Active-Set values of fine meshes must be available on coarser levels of the multigrid algorithm. The developed multigrid method provides a preconditioner for a generalized minimal residual solver. This method is used for solving the linear equations inside Newton's method for treating the overall nonlinear-monolithic discrete displacement/phase-field formulation. Several numerical examples demonstrate the performance and robustness of our solution technology. Mesh refinement studies, variations in the phase-field regularization parameter, iterations numbers of the linear and nonlinear solvers, and some parallel performances are conducted to substantiate the efficiency of the proposed solver for single fractures, multiple pressurized fractures, and a L-shaped panel test in three dimensions.

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arXiv2019

A phase-field model for fractures in incompressible solids

Within this work, we develop a phase-field description for simulating fractures in incompressible materials. Standard formulations are subject to volume-locking when the solid is (nearly) incompressible. We propose an approach that builds on a mixed form of the displacement equation with two unknowns: a displacement field and a hydro-static pressure variable. Corresponding function spaces have to be chosen properly. On the discrete level, stable Taylor-Hood elements are employed for the displacement-pressure system. Two additional variables describe the phase-field solution and the crack irreversibility constraint. Therefore, the final system contains four variables: displacements, pressure, phase-field, and a Lagrange multiplier. The resulting discrete system is nonlinear and solved monolithically with a Newton-type method. Our proposed model is demonstrated by means of several numerical studies based on two numerical tests. First, different finite element choices are compared in order to investigate the influence of higher-order elements in the proposed settings. Further, numerical results including spatial mesh refinement studies and variations in Poisson's ratio approaching the incompressible limit, are presented.

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arXiv2018

Two-side a posteriori error estimates for the DWR method

In this work, we derive two-sided a posteriori error estimates for the dual-weighted residual (DWR) method. We consider both single and multiple goal functionals. Using a saturation assumption, we derive lower bounds yielding the efficiency of the error estimator. These results hold true for both nonlinear partial differential equations and nonlinear functionals of interest. Furthermore, the DWR method employed in this work accounts for balancing the discretization error with the nonlinear iteration error. We also perform careful studies of the remainder term that is usually neglected. Based on these theoretical investigations, several algorithms are designed. Our theoretical findings and algorithmic developments are substantiated with some numerical tests.

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arXiv2018

Parallel solution, adaptivity, computational convergence, and open-source code of 2d and 3d pressurized phase-field fracture problems

We present a scalable, parallel implementation of a solver for the solution of a phase-field model for quasi-static brittle fracture. The code is available as open source. Numerical solutions in 2d and 3d with adaptive mesh refinement show optimal scaling of the linear solver based on algebraic multigrid, and convergence of the phase-field model towards exact values of functionals of interests such as the crack opening displacement or the total crack volume. In contrast to uniform refinement, adaptive mesh refinement allows us to recover optimal convergence rates for the non-smooth solutions encountered in typical test problems. We also present numerical studies of the influence of the finite domain size on functional evaluations used to approximate the infinite domain.

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arXiv2018

On the implementation of a locally modified finite element method for interface problems in deal.II

In this work, we describe a simple finite element approach that is able to resolve weak discontinuities in interface problems accurately. The approach is based on a fixed patch mesh consisting of quadrilaterals, that will stay unchanged independent of the position of the interface. Inside the patches we refine once more, either in eight triangles or in four quadrilaterals, in such a way that the interface is locally resolved. The resulting finite element approach can be considered a fitted finite element approach. In our practical implementation, we do not construct this fitted mesh, however. Instead, the local degrees of freedom are included in a parametric way in the finite element space, or to be more precise in the local mappings between a reference patch and the physical patches. We describe the implementation in the open source C++ finite element library deal.II in detail and present two numerical examples to illustrate the performance of the approach. Finally, detailed studies of the behavior of iterative linear solvers complement this work.

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arXiv2016

Iterative coupling of flow, geomechanics and adaptive phase-field fracture including level-set crack width approaches

In this work, we present numerical studies of fixed-stress iterative coupling for solving flow and geomechanics with propagating fractures in a porous medium. Specifically, fracture propagations are described by employing a phase-field approach. The extension to fixed-stress splitting to propagating phase-field fractures and systematic investigation of its properties are important enhancements to existing studies. Moreover, we provide an accurate computation of the fracture opening using level-set approaches and a subsequent finite element interpolation of the width. The latter enters as fracture permeability into the pressure diffraction problem which is crucial for fluid filled fractures. Our developments are substantiated with several numerical tests that include comparisons of computational cost for iterative coupling and nonlinear and linear iterations as well as convergence studies in space and time.

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