Isogeometric implementation of high order microplane model for the simulation of high order elasticity, softening, and localization

TL;DR

This paper presents an isogeometric finite element implementation of a high order microplane model for simulating high order elasticity, softening, and localization, ensuring smoothness and addressing mesh sensitivity issues.

Contribution

It introduces a NURBS-based isogeometric approach for implementing the HOM model with $C^1$ continuity in 3D, improving convergence and localization control.

Findings

Effective convergence in elastic and softening regimes

Natural localization limiter prevents strain localization

Addresses mesh sensitivity in softening simulations

Abstract

In this paper, a recently developed Higher Order Microplane (HOM) model for softening and localization, is implemented within a isogeometric finite element framework. The HOM model was derived directly from a three dimensional discrete particle model and it was shown to be associated with a high order continuum characterized by independent rotation and displacement fields. Furthermore, the HOM model possesses two characteristic lengths: the first associated with the spacing of flaws in the material internal structure and related to the gradient character of the continuum; and the second associated with the size of these flaws and related to the micro-polar character of the continuum. The displacement-based finite element implementation of this type of continua requires $C^1$ continuity both within the elements and at the element boundaries. This motivated the implementation of the concept of isogeometric analysis which ensures a higher degree of smoothness and continuity. NURBS based isogeometric elements were implemented in a 3D setting, with both displacement and rotational degrees of freedom at each control point. The performed numerical analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed HOM model implementation to ensure optimal convergence in both elastic and softening regime. Furthermore, the proposed approach allows the natural formulation of a localization limiter able to prevent strain localization and spurious mesh sensitivity known to be pathological issues for typical local strain-softening constitutive equations.