Extended Finite Element and Meshfree Methods provides an overview of, and investigates, recent developments in extended finite elements with a focus on applications to material failure in statics and dynamics. This class of methods is ideally suited for applications, such as crack propagation, two-phase flow, fluid-structure-interaction, optimization and inverse analysis because they do not require any remeshing. These methods include the original extended finite element method, smoothed extended finite element method (XFEM), phantom node method, extended meshfree methods, numerical manifold method and extended isogeometric analysis. This book also addresses their implementation and provides small MATLAB codes on each sub-topic. Also discussed are the challenges and efficient algorithms for tracking the crack path which plays an important role for complex engineering applications. - Explains all the important theory behind XFEM and meshfree methods - Provides advice on how to implement XFEM for a range of practical purposes, along with helpful MATLAB codes - Draws on the latest research to explore new topics, such as the applications of XFEM to shell formulations, and extended meshfree and extended isogeometric methods - Introduces alternative modeling methods to help readers decide what is most appropriate for their work

The finite difference method (FDM) hasbeen used tosolve differential equation systems for centuries. The FDM works well for problems of simple geometry and was widely used before the invention of the much more efficient, robust finite element method (FEM). FEM is now widely used in handling problems with complex geometry. Currently, we are using and developing even more powerful numerical techniques aiming to obtain more accurate approximate solutions in a more convenient manner for even more complex systems. The meshfree or meshless method is one such phenomenal development in the past decade, and is the subject of this book. There are many MFree methods proposed so far for different applications. Currently, three monographs on MFree methods have been published. Mesh Free Methods, Moving Beyond the Finite Element Method d by GR Liu (2002) provides a systematic discussion on basic theories, fundamentals for MFree methods, especially on MFree weak-form methods. It provides a comprehensive record of well-known MFree methods and the wide coverage of applications of MFree methods to problems of solids mechanics (solids, beams, plates, shells, etc.) as well as fluid mechanics. The Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) Method d by Atluri and Shen (2002) provides detailed discussions of the meshfree local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method and itsvariations. Formulations and applications of MLPG are well addressed in their book.

Meshfree methods for the solution of partial differential equations gained much attention in recent years, not only in the engineering but also in the mathematics community. One of the reasons for this development is the fact that meshfree discretizations and particle models are often better suited to cope with geometric changes of the domain of interest, e.g. free surfaces and large deformations, than classical discretization techniques such as finite differences, finite elements or finite volumes. Another obvious advantage of meshfree discretizations is their independence of a mesh so that the costs of mesh generation are eliminated. Also, the treatment of time-dependent PDEs from a Lagrangian point of view and the coupling of particle models and continuous models gained enormous interest in recent years from a theoretical as well as from a practial point of view. This volume consists of articles which address the different meshfree methods (SPH, PUM, GFEM, EFGM, RKPM etc.) and their application in applied mathematics, physics and engineering.

Introduces the theory and applications of the extended finite element method (XFEM) in the linear and nonlinear problems of continua, structures and geomechanics Explores the concept of partition of unity, various enrichment functions, and fundamentals of XFEM formulation. Covers numerous applications of XFEM including fracture mechanics, large deformation, plasticity, multiphase flow, hydraulic fracturing and contact problems Accompanied by a website hosting source code and examples

The Finite Element Method (FEM) has become an indispensable technology for the modelling and simulation of engineering systems. Written for engineers and students alike, the aim of the book is to provide the necessary theories and techniques of the FEM for readers to be able to use a commercial FEM package to solve primarily linear problems in mechanical and civil engineering with the main focus on structural mechanics and heat transfer.Fundamental theories are introduced in a straightforward way, and state-of-the-art techniques for designing and analyzing engineering systems, including microstructural systems are explained in detail. Case studies are used to demonstrate these theories, methods, techniques and practical applications, and numerous diagrams and tables are used throughout.The case studies and examples use the commercial software package ABAQUS, but the techniques explained are equally applicable for readers using other applications including NASTRAN, ANSYS, MARC, etc. - A practical and accessible guide to this complex, yet important subject - Covers modeling techniques that predict how components will operate and tolerate loads, stresses and strains in reality

This important textbook provides an introduction to the concepts of the newly developed extended finite element method (XFEM) for fracture analysis of structures, as well as for other related engineering applications. One of the main advantages of the method is that it avoids any need for remeshing or geometric crack modelling in numerical simulation, while generating discontinuous fields along a crack and around its tip. The second major advantage of the method is that by a small increase in number of degrees of freedom, far more accurate solutions can be obtained. The method has recently been extended to nonlinear materials and other disciplines such as modelling contact and interface, simulation of inclusions and holes, moving and changing phase problems, and even to multiscale analyses. The book is self contained, with summaries of both classical and modern computational techniques. The main chapters include a comprehensive range of numerical examples describing various features of XFEM.

Meshless, or meshfree methods, which overcome many of the limitations of the finite element method, have achieved significant progress in numerical computations of a wide range of engineering problems. A comprehensive introduction to meshless methods, Meshless Methods and Their Numerical Properties gives complete mathematical formulations for the m