An Arlequin-based method to couple molecular dynamics and finite element simulations of amorphous polymers nanocomposites
Pfaller S, Rahimi M, Possart G, Steinmann P, Müller-Plathe F, Böhm MC (2013)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2013
Journal
Publisher: Elsevier
Book Volume: 260
Pages Range: 109-129
URI: https://doi.org/10.25593/opus4-fau-17862
DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2013.03.006
Abstract
A new simulation technique is introduced to couple a flexible particle domain as encountered in soft-matter systems and a continuum which is solved by the Finite Element (FE) method. The particle domain is simulated by a molecular dynamics (MD) method in coarse grained (CG) representation. On the basis of computational experiences from a previous study, a staggered coupling procedure has been chosen. The proposed MD-FE coupling approximates the continuum as a static region while the MD particle space is treated as a dynamical ensemble. The information transfer between MD and FE domains is realized by a coupling region which contains, in particular, additional auxiliary particles, so-called anchor points. Each anchor point is harmonically bonded to a standard MD particle in the coupling region. This type of interaction offers a straightforward access to force gradients at the anchor points that are required in the developed hybrid approach. Time-averaged forces and force gradients from the MD domain are transmitted to the continuum. A static coupling procedure, based on the Arlequin framework, between the FE domain and the anchor points provides new anchor point positions in the MD-FE coupling region. The capability of the new simulation procedure has been quantified for an atactic polystyrene (PS) sample and for a PS-silica nanocomposite, both simulated in CG representation. Numerical data are given in the linear elastic regime which is conserved up to 3% strain. The convergence of the MD-FE coupling procedure has been demonstrated for quantities such as reaction forces or the Cauchy stress which have been determined both in the bare FE domain and in the coupled system. Possible applications of the hybrid method are shortly mentioned. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Authors with CRIS profile
Sebastian Pfaller
Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik
Gunnar Possart
Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik
Paul Steinmann
Lehrstuhl für Technische Mechanik
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Pfaller, S., Rahimi, M., Possart, G., Steinmann, P., Müller-Plathe, F., & Böhm, M.C. (2013). An Arlequin-based method to couple molecular dynamics and finite element simulations of amorphous polymers nanocomposites. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 260, 109-129. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2013.03.006
MLA:
Pfaller, Sebastian, et al. "An Arlequin-based method to couple molecular dynamics and finite element simulations of amorphous polymers nanocomposites." Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 260 (2013): 109-129.
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