Performance optimization of hybrid FEM/SEM method for waveguide analysis

• Grant number: 12/11809-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: September 23, 2012
• End date: December 22, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: José Roberto de França Arruda
• Grantee: Priscilla Brandão Silva
• Supervisor: Brian Mace
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica (FEM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Auckland, New Zealand
• Associated to the scholarship: 10/17317-9 - Study of elastic wave propagation throught periodic media, BP.DD

Abstract

This Research Project aims to present to FAPESP the proposal for the research internship abroad of Priscilla Brandão Silva, PhD student from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of UNICAMP (University of Campinas) awarded with the Honors Doctorate fellowship by FAPESP (process number: 2010/17317-9). The research internship will take place at the University of Auckland, located in Auckland, New Zealand, under supervision of Professor Brian Mace, whose curriculum includes extensive know-how in theoretical, numerical and experimental modeling methods for higher frequency structural vibrations, active control and smart structures. The main objective of this research internship is to improve and, subsequently, expand the numerical method WSFEM (Wave Spectral Finite Element Method), which is being developed by Priscilla B. Silva. Until now, the PhD student has shown that it is possible to apply this hybrid method for modeling classical waveguides (rod, beam, plate). She has also investigated the possible sources of numerical errors in the approach formulation. The scientific knowledge that has been acquired by the student during this first year of doctoral studies and the expertise of Professor Brian Mace on the numerical modeling of waveguides in mid frequency range can contribute for overcoming the numerical difficulties and, finally, enable a broad application of the method to more complex problems, such as: composite structures, ducts, tubes, and multiphysics problems. The numerical modeling of those complex systems is still a challenge nowadays since the available numerical methods require a high computational cost. Moreover, it is important to note that this internship abroad can also encourage future cooperations between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UNICAMP and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Auckland. (AU)