Finite element limit analysis
Encyclopedia
A finite element limit analysis (FELA) utilises optimisation techniques
to directly compute the upper or lower bound plastic collapse load (or limit load
) for a mechanical system rather than time stepping to a collapse load, as might be undertaken with conventional non-linear finite element techniques. The problem may be formulated in either a kinematic or equilibrium form.
The technique has been utilised most significantly in the field of soil mechanics
for the determination of collapse loads for geotechnical problems (e.g. slope stability analysis
). An alternative technique which may be used to undertake similar direct plastic collapse computations using optimization is Discontinuity layout optimization
.
Optimization (mathematics)
In mathematics, computational science, or management science, mathematical optimization refers to the selection of a best element from some set of available alternatives....
to directly compute the upper or lower bound plastic collapse load (or limit load
Limit loads
Limit load is the maximum load that a structure can safely carry. It's the load at which the structure is in a state of incipient plastic collapse. As the load on the structure increases, the displacements increases linearly in the elastic range till the load attains the yield value...
) for a mechanical system rather than time stepping to a collapse load, as might be undertaken with conventional non-linear finite element techniques. The problem may be formulated in either a kinematic or equilibrium form.
The technique has been utilised most significantly in the field of soil mechanics
Soil mechanics
Soil mechanics is a branch of engineering mechanics that describes the behavior of soils. It differs from fluid mechanics and solid mechanics in the sense that soils consist of a heterogeneous mixture of fluids and particles but soil may also contain organic solids, liquids, and gasses and other...
for the determination of collapse loads for geotechnical problems (e.g. slope stability analysis
Slope stability analysis
The slope stability analyses are performed to assess the safe and economic design of a human-made or natural slopes and the equilibrium conditions. The term slope stability may be defined as the resistance of inclined surface to failure by sliding or collapsing...
). An alternative technique which may be used to undertake similar direct plastic collapse computations using optimization is Discontinuity layout optimization
Discontinuity layout optimization
Discontinuity layout optimization is an engineering analysis procedure which can be used to directly establish the amount of load that can be carried by a solid or structure prior to collapse...
.