A coupled finite element-boundary element method of stress analysis

The finite element and boundary element of stress analysis are both well established numerical techniques for determination of stress and displacement distributions in bodies subject to applied load. The inherent advantages of the boundary element method are the ease with which infinite body problems may be analysed, and the efficiency of analysis typically associated with a boundary value solution procedure. Application of the method is limited by the requirement of linear constitutive behaviour for the medium. The finite element method presents antithetical advantages and limitations. Complex constitutive behaviour may be modelled, at the expense of numerical efficiency and, for infinite bodies, inadequate representation of remote boundary conditions.Coupling of finite element and boundary element methods of stress analysis is shown to preserve the advantages of each procedure, and eliminates their individual disadvantages. Procedures employed in the development of a first-generation coupled FE-BE algorithm are described. Solutions of some simple problems verifying the performance of the coupled code are presented.