A new unified explicit architecture of thermal/structural dynamic algorithms: Applications to coupled thermoelasticity

The philosophy and rationale of the present research encompasses interdisciplinary engineering modeling/analysis via 'the use of a common numerical methodology employing a common algorithmic architecture for applicability to a common mainframe (computer) environment'. In particular, a new unified architecture of thermal/structural dynamic algorithms is presented. Finite elements are employed as the modeling/analysis tool, and the applicability of the proposed unified architecture is demonstrated for coupled thermoelasticity. The formulations, however, are geared towards providing a generalized methodology for transient interdisciplinary thermal/structural models to include several added inherent advantages. To sharpen the focus of the present study, an explicit unified architecture is presented to validate the applicability to interdisciplinary coupled thermoelastic models. The proposed unified architecture preserves second-order accuracy and possesses attractive computational features.