Structural Engineering and Mechanics
Volume 48, Number 6, 2013, pages 775-789
DOI: 10.12989/sem.2013.48.6.775
A novel 3D BE formulation for general multi-zone domains under body force loading
Mohammad Ghiasian and Mohammad Taghi Ahmadi
Abstract
The current paper proposes a boundary element formulation, applicable to 2-D and 3-D elastostatics problems using a unified approach for transformations of the domain integrals into boundary integrals. The method is applicable to linear problems encompassing both finite and infinite multi-region domains allowing non-vanishing body forces. Numerical results agree quite well with the analytical solutions; while the present method offers easy formulation with less numerical efforts in comparison to FEM or some BEM which need interior points to treat arbitrary body forces. It is demonstrated that the method has the potential to have profound impact on engineering design, notably in dam-foundation interaction.
Key Words
boundary element method; elastostatics; multi-zone structures; body force
Address
Mohammad Ghiasian and Mohammad Taghi Ahmadi : Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-397, Iran