Developing a framework to integrate convolution quadrature time-domain boundary element method and image-based finite element method for 2-D elastodynamics

In this study, a framework for coupling of the convolution quadrature time-domain boundary element method (CQBEM) and image-based finite element method (IMFEM) is presented for 2-D elastic wave propagation. This coupling method has three advantages: 1) the finite element modeling for heterogeneous areas can be performed without difficulties by using digital data for the analysis model, 2) wave propagation in an infinite domain can be calculated with high accuracy by using the CQBEM, and 3) a small time-step size can be used. In general, a small time-step size cannot be used in the classical time-domain boundary element method. However, the CQBEM used in this analysis can address a small time-step size. This makes it possible to couple the CQBEM and image-based FEM which require a small-time step size. In this study, the formulation and validation of the pro-posed method are described and confirmed by solving fundamental elastic wave scattering problems. As a numerical example, elastic wave scattering in inhomogeneous media is demonstrated using the proposed coupling method.