A particle method for elastic and visco-plastic structures and fluid-structure interactions

A new particle method is proposed for elastic and visco-plastic structures based on the concept of MPS (Moving Particle Semi-implicit) method which wa s developed for fluid dynamics. Particle interaction models for differentia l operators are prepared in MPS method. The government equations of elastic structures are interpreted into interactions among particles. These intera ctions are equivalent to those of normal and tangential springs. Therefore the present particle method is simple and corresponding physical meaning is clear. Model for viscoplastic structure is represented to replace these el astic springs into visco-plastic ones. Elements or grids are not necessary. A tensile plate and a cantilever beam as elastic structures are analyzed b y the present method. The results are in good agreement with theoretical so lutions. Viscoplastic analysis for creep deformation and fracture of a crac ked plate is also carried out and the result is in good agreement with an e xperiment. The present particle method for elastic structures is combined w ith MPS method for fluid-structural interaction problems. Since both method s are based on the same particle modeling in Lagrangian coordinates, large deformation of the interfaces can be easily analyzed. Water falling on a ca ntilever beam is analyzed by the combined method. Crash of water and result ant displacement of the beam are successfully analyzed. Structural analysis in a breakwater is carried out with wave propagation. The calculated press ure distribution on the breakwater is in good agreement with a theory.