Numerical models development for structural engineering problems

• Grant number: 06/50594-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2006
• End date: October 31, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Agreement: CNRS
• Principal Investigator: Humberto Breves Coda
• Grantee: Humberto Breves Coda
• Principal researcher abroad: Ahmed Benallal
• Institution abroad: École Normale Supérieure, Cachan (ENS), France
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Wilson Sérgio Venturini
• Associated research grant(s): 09/11275-5 - A stimulus to research in stochastic mechanics in the State of São Paulo, AV.EXT
• Associated scholarship(s): 09/16123-9 - Development of finite element method models with positional formulation applied to reliability design optimization of 2D and 3D frames, BP.PD; 09/16930-1 - On the geometrical non-linear analisis of tall building coupled to soil foundations considering the structural core warping., BP.DR; 09/17365-6 - Risk optimization under random fatigue and corrosion processes, BP.DR; 09/15048-3 - Boundary Element Method and Fast Multipole Method models applied to analysis of maintenance and inspection based on reliability in structures with multiple cracks, BP.PD; 07/07844-9 - On constitutive models for non-linear functionally graded materials: numerical implementation in non-linear dynamic software, BP.DR

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop numerical models in the fields of structural mechanics, computational mechanics and mechanics of materials to be applied to engineering problems together with the construction of a computational system that can be used as a support for new research and also for practical engineering problems. These subjects have been themes of research in the main international research centers. They are of enormous interest when applied to problems where complex models are required to describe the material and structural component behaviors. The numerical models will be developed based on recent formulations of both the finite and boundary elements methods. The subjects included in the project of major interest nowadays are: porous media models, considering linear and non- linear behavior, material degradation, strain localization, instabilities for static and dynamic loads; models for the geometric exact representation of structural systems containing beam, shell and solid elements using finite and boundary elements; non-linear analysis of solids with emphasis on the localization phenomena, formation and propagation of cracks; multi-fractured solids; interface between the continuum damage process of dissipation to the discontinuous case (fracture); inverse analysis, parametric identification; boundary and interface value identification using boundary and finite element algebraic equations for the static and dynamic problems; reliability and optimization models for reinforced concrete frames, solids subjected to fatigue, and problems of human comfort in environment subjected to vibration; dynamic models for 3D structures with emphasis on impact and thermoplastic behavior; development and implementation of a robust user-friendly computational system for structural analysis which are seemingly effortless to use, while incorporating inside very complex formulations to be applied in research (development of new models) and to be enough generalist to allow its use by common engineers. (AU)