A CONTROL-VOLUME FINITE-ELEMENT NUMERICAL-SOLUTION OF CREEP PROBLEMS

This paper presents the novel application of a vertex-centred control volume numerical scheme commonly known as the control volume finite el ement method to creep problems. The discretization procedure is descri bed in detail and is valid for both structured and unstructured grids without alteration to the formulation. This enables complex geometries to be modelled which overcomes one of the perceived drawbacks of the control volume solution techniques. The example chosen to illustrate t he control volume finite element method concerns modelling the mechano -sorptive creep which occurs during the drying of timber. The numerica l results are benchmarked against previously published numerical resul ts and a finite element solution. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.