Implicit direct time integration of the heat conduction problem in the Method of Matched Sections

Abstract

The paper is devoted to further elaboration of the Method of Matched Sections as a new branch of finite element method in application to the transient 2D temperature problem. The main distinction of MMS from conventional FEM consist in that the conjugation is provided between the adjacent sections rather than in the nodes of the elements. Important feature is that method is based on approximate strong form solution of the governing differential equations called here as the Connection equations. It is assumed that for each small rectangular element the 2D problem can be considered as the combination of two 1D problems – one is x-dependent, and another is y-dependent. Each problem is characterized by two functions – the temperature, , and heat flux . In practical realization for rectangular finite elements the method is reduced to determination of eight unknowns for each element – two unknowns on each side, which are related by the Connection equations, and requirement of the temperature continuity at the center of element. Another salient feature of the paper is an implementation of the original implicit time integration scheme, where the time step became the parameter of shape function within the element, i.e. it determines the behavior of the Connection equations. This method was early proposed by first author for number of 1D problem, and here in first time it is applied for 2D problems. The number of tests for rectangular plate exhibits the remarkable properties of this “embedded” time integration scheme with respect to stability, accuracy, and absence of any restrictions as to increasing of the time step.