Mini-symposium S12

S12: Recent Advances in Computational Frameworks for Solid Mechanics

Co-chairs: 

Callum J. Runcie (University of Glasgow)*

Chun Hean Lee (University of Glasgow)

Keywords: Solid mechanics; Large deformation; Shocks; Coupled physics

ABSTRACT

Traditional solid mechanics frameworks face well-recognised challenges in simulating multi-physics solids undergoing large deformations [1] under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. These challenges arise in problems involving large deformations, large evolving interfaces, multi-material interactions, phase changes, and propagating discontinuities such as contact [2] and fracture. Numerical difficulties including volumetric and shear locking, pressure oscillations, and insufficient resolution of stress and strain fields are also commonly encountered. Recent advances have introduced a variety of computational strategies to mitigate these issues whilst ensuring physical fidelity, including mixed formulations, first-order conservation laws, appropriate constitutive updates, and GPU-based implementations that make more accurate yet computationally intensive methods feasible. Despite these developments, there remains a strong need to continue developing, assessing, and comparing numerical methods capable of delivering robust, accurate, and scalable solutions. The objective of this MS is to bring together researchers working across the spectrum of discretisation approaches, including finite elements (e.g., SUPG, DG, XFEM, phase-field, cohesive zone), finite volumes (e.g., cell- or vertex-centred), and particle-based methods (e.g., SPH [3], MPM, Peridynamics, DEM, PFEM) to exchange knowledge and identify common challenges. Relevant applications may include, but are not limited to, impact/contact mechanics, biomechanics, fracture and fragmentation, landslides, friction welding, and large-scale geophysical processes such as tectonic plate movements. Contributions that explore the interaction between solids and fluids, as well as multi-physical aspects such as soil-structure interaction, thermo-mechanics and electro-magneto-mechanics, are also encouraged. Industry applications are particularly welcome, as they offer valuable insights into practical challenges and solution implementation.

REFERENCES

[1] Di Giusto T. B. J., Lee C.H., Gil A.J., Bonet J., Wood C., Giacomini M., A first-order hyperbolic ALE conservation formulation for nonlinear solid dynamics in irreversible processes, Journal of Computational Physics, Vol. 518, 113322, 2024.

[2] Runcie C. J., Lee C. H., Haider J., Gil A. J., Bonet J., An acoustic Riemann solver for large strain computational contact dynamics, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 123, 5700-5748, 2022.

[3] Lee C.H., Gil A.J., de Campos P.R.R., Bonet J., Jaugielavicius T., Joshi S., A novel ALE Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics algorithm for nonlinear solid dynamics, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 427, 117055, 2024.