In the realm of geotechnical engineering, where the ground beneath our feet is far from static, a novel method has emerged that could revolutionize how we analyze and predict large soil deformations. This advancement, spearheaded by Dr. Chen Xi and his team at Beijing Jiaotong University, in collaboration with Tsinghua University, promises to enhance the accuracy and reliability of large deformation analyses, a critical aspect for various industries, including energy.
The team’s research, published in *Yantu gongcheng xuebao* (translated to *Rock and Soil Mechanics*), introduces a decoupled Arbitrary Lagrangian-Euler (ALE) method that combines the stabilized node-based smoothed finite element method (NsFEMstab) with an adaptive remeshing strategy. This novel approach aims to tackle the challenges posed by large soil deformations, a common occurrence in geotechnical analysis.
Traditional finite element methods, based on small deformation assumptions, often struggle with large deformations. “The computational errors can accumulate, or the process may terminate due to mesh distortion,” explains Dr. Chen Xi, lead author of the study. The team’s solution involves a two-step process: the updated Lagrangian (UL) step, followed by the Euler step. This decoupled ALE method helps overcome the reduced computational accuracy and potential termination caused by mesh distortion.
The team also developed a dynamic placement approach for nodes, a crucial aspect of their adaptive remeshing strategy. This method ensures smooth mesh transitions from fine to coarse areas and maintains good element quality throughout the deformation process. “By applying the dynamic placement method of nodes, we can effectively resolve the mesh distortion caused by large deformation,” Dr. Chen Xi adds.
The implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. Accurate large deformation analysis is vital for the design and maintenance of energy infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines, wind turbines, and nuclear power plants. These structures often interact with soil, and understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring their safety and longevity.
Moreover, this research could pave the way for more efficient and reliable numerical simulations in geotechnical engineering. The NsFEMstab-ALE method could be applied to various scenarios, from the design of foundations and retaining structures to the analysis of soil-structure interactions.
As Dr. Chen Xi and his team continue to refine their method, the future of large deformation analysis looks promising. Their work not only advances our understanding of soil behavior but also opens up new possibilities for the energy sector and beyond. With the NsFEMstab-ALE method, we are one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the ground beneath our feet and harnessing its potential for a more sustainable and resilient future.