Finite Element Analysis

Publications

Subsurface Transport Modeling Using Adaptive Finite Elements

This paper presents GWADAPT, a Computational Fluid Dynamics model that utilizes an adaptive finite element method for simulating groundwater flow and subsurface contaminant transport. It highlights how this numerical approach, through local mesh adaptation, provides an efficient and accessible solution for complex environmental transport problems on various computing platforms.

CURRENT METHODOLOGY AT THE BOR FOR THE NONLINEAR ANALYSES OF ARCH DAMS USING EXPLICIT FEA

B. Mills-Bria, L. Nuss, A. Chopra

This paper details the Bureau of Reclamation's use of the explicit finite element program LS-DYNA to conduct advanced nonlinear analyses of arch dams. The methodology involves creating highly detailed models that include fluid-structure interaction, movable foundation blocks, and numerous contact surfaces to simulate joints and discontinuities. These complex finite element models are carefully calibrated using field data and laboratory tests to ensure realistic predictions of dam behavior under

Double Curvature Arch Dams - Planning, Appraisal, and Feasibility Level

J.W. Salamon, L.K. Nuss, H. Boggs

This document details a methodology for designing double-curvature arch dams, starting with empirical formulas for initial planning and progressing to detailed finite element analysis (FEA) for design optimization. It highlights the use of the ADSAS program for stress analysis and the development of custom software tools to process and visualize the FEA results. The ultimate goal is to integrate these layout procedures with modern FEA software like LS-DYNA for comprehensive static and seismic an

Seismic Interface Stability of Composite Dams

Fatih Oncul

This research uses the NIKE3D finite element analysis code to perform extensive 2-D and 3-D parametric studies on the seismic behavior of the soil-concrete interface in composite dams. The FEA models, validated against centrifuge test data, were used to investigate how dam geometry and soil material properties affect interface separation and dynamic stresses under earthquake shaking. The study concludes that 3-D analysis and the use of nonlinear soil models are critical for accurately assessing

The Use of LS-DYNA in the Columbia Accident Investigation and Return to Flight Activities

This paper describes how the Impact Analysis Team used LS-DYNA, a specialized Finite Element Analysis software, to investigate the foam impact that led to the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. The work involved creating detailed finite element models of the shuttle's wing and developing new material models for the foam and carbon composites to accurately simulate the high-speed impact. The analytical predictions from the FEA correlated strongly with physical test results and were crucial to unders