• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.295-305
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• 2023

This study introduces a smoothed finite-element implementation into the phase-field framework. In recent years, the phase-field method has recieved considerable attention in crack initiation and propagation since the method needs no further treatment to express the crack growth path. In the phase-field method, high strain-energy accuracy is needed to capture the complex crack growth path; thus, it is obtained in the framework of the smoothed finite-element method. The salient feature of the smoothed finite-element method is that the finite element cells are divided into sub-cells and each sub-cell is rebuilt as a smoothing domain where smoothed strain energy is calculated. An adaptive quadtree refinement is also employed in the present framework to avoid the computational burden. Numerical experiments are performed to investigate the performance of the proposed approach, compared with that of the finite-element method and the reference solutions.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.187-195
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• 2024

This paper presents two-dimensional boundary value problems of the stress-based gradient elasticity within the smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) framework. Gradient elasticity is introduced to address the limitations of classical elasticity, particularly its struggle to capture size-dependent mechanical behavior at the micro/nano scale. The Ru-Aifantis theorem is employed to overcome the challenges of high-order differential equations in gradient elasticity. This theorem effectively splits the original equation into two solvable second-order differential equations, enabling its incorporation into the S-FEM framework. The present method utilizes a staggered scheme to solve the boundary value problems. This approach efficiently separates the calculation of the local displacement field (obtained over each smoothing domain) from the non-local stress field (computed element-wise). A series of numerical tests are conducted to investigate the influence of the internal length scale, a key parameter in gradient elasticity. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in smoothing stress concentrations typically observed at crack tips and dislocation lines.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.289-297
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• 2011

The explicit finite element method is an essential tool for solving large problems with severe nonlinear characteristics, but its results can be difficult to interpret. In particular, it can be impossible to evaluate its acceleration responses because of severe discontinuity, extreme noise or aliasing. We suggest a new post-processing method for transient responses and their response spectra. We propose smoothing methods using a Gaussian kernel without in depth knowledge of the complex frequency characteristics; such methods are successfully used in the filtering of digital signals. This smoothing can be done by measuring the velocity results and monitoring the response spectra. Gaussian kernel smoothing gives a better smoothness and representation of the peak values than other approaches do. The floor response spectra can be derived using smoothed accelerations for the design.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.138-146
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• 2007

This paper describes 2.5D induced polarization (IP) modeling and inversion algorithms using complex resistivity. The complex resistivity method has merits for acquiring more valuable information about hydraulic parameters and pore fluid than the conventional IP methods. The IP modeling and inversion algorithms are developed by allowing complex arithmetic in existing DC modeling and inversion algorithms. The IP modeling and inversion algorithms use a 2.5D DC finite-element algorithm and a damped least-squares method with smoothness constraints, respectively. The accuracy of the IP modeling algorithm is verified by comparing its responses of two synthetic models with two different approaches: linear filtering for a three-layer model and an integral equation method for a 3D model. Results from these methods are well matched to each other. The inversion algorithm is validated by a synthetic example which has two anomalous bodies, one is more conductive but non-polarizable than the background, and the other is polarizable but has the same resistivity as the background. From the inverted section, we can cleary identify each anomalous body with different locations. Furthermore, in order to verify its efficiency to the real filed example, we apply the inversion algorithm to another three-layer model which includes phase anomaly in the second layer.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.7-17
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• 2011

We have developed an inversion code for three-dimensional (3D) resistivity tomography including the anisotropy effect. The algorithm is based on the finite element approximations for the forward modelling and Active Constraint Balancing method is adopted to enhance the resolving power of the smoothness constraint least-squares inversion. Using numerical experiments, we have shown that anisotropic inversion is viable to get an accurate image of the subsurface when the subsurface shows strong electrical anisotropy. Moreover, anisotropy can be used as additional information in the interpretation of subsurface. This algorithm was also applied to the field dataset acquired in the abandoned old mine area, where a high-rise apartment block has been built up over a mining tunnel. The main purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the safety analysis of the building due to old mining activities. Strong electrical anisotropy has been observed and it was proven to be caused by geological setting of the site. To handle the anisotropy problem, field data were inverted by a 3D anisotropic tomography algorithm and we could obtain 3D subsurface images, which matches well with geology mapping observations. The inversion results have been used to provide the subsurface model for the safety analysis in rock engineering and we could assure the residents that the apartment has no problem in its safety after the completion of investigation works.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.124-132
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• 2001

Electrical resistivity survey has been conducted for delineating geological fault structure in Kaekok-ri near Kyungju. In general, electrical resistivity survey has an advantage of searching buried faults and its traces compared with other geophysical survey methods. Distribution of electrical conductivity in the ground is influenced by the ratio of pores, groundwater and clay minerals. These properties are evidenced indirectly to explain for weathering condition, faults and fracture Bones. Thus the electrical resistivity survey can be an effective method to find buried faults. We have carried out two dimensional (2-D) interpretation by means of smoothness-constrained least-squares and finite element method. Field data used in this paper was acquired at Kaekok-ri, Wuedong-eup, Kyungju-si, where is Ulsan Fault and is close to the region in which debatable quaternary fault traces were found recently. The dipole-dipole array resistivity survey which could show the 2-D subsurface electrical resistivity structure, was carried out in the area with three lines. The results showed good property of fault, fracture zone and fault traces which we estimated were congruous with the results. Through this study, 2-D electrical resistivity survey interpretation for fault is useful to apply.