Mathematical theory of mixed methods for linear elasticity

DATES: 4-8 June 2018 (5 sessions)
TIME: 09:30 - 11:30 (a total of 10 hours)

Mixed methods for linear elasticity has undergone rapid development in recent years. This short course is aimed at providing an introduction to these developments. Stress finite elements needed for mixed methods are non-trivial to design due to two requirements. 1) Due to the conservation of angular momentum, the stress tensor should be symmetric. 2) Additionally, the forces on a mesh face shared by two mesh elements must be in equilibrium, i.e., the normal stress should vary continuously across element interfaces.

Beginning with a discussion of a few expensive methods that are able to satisfy both these requirements discretely, we branch out to discuss other avenues that relax one of the two requirements. We then closely study a category of mixed methods that weakly impose stress symmetry, while maintaining exact normal stress continuity.

PREREQUISITES
Basic theoretical techniques for analysis of the finite element method.

*Registration is free, but inscription is required before 30th May: So as to inscribe send an e-mail to reception@bcamath.org. Student grants are available. Please, let us know if you need support for travel and accommodation expenses.

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