An Analysis of the Stress Wave in Solids (SWIS) Finite Element Code
Abstract
The ability to analyze wave propagation for geometrically complex circumstances is important in calculating ground motion caused by earthquakes, explosions or other source of seismic waves. Analytical models derived using separation of variables methods are limited in this area because they can only solve problems with simple geometry. For more complex situations, it is necessary to use finite element or finite difference schemes. In 1973, Frazier (1974) developed the finite element code Stress Waves In Solids, or SWIS. It has been used to solve several challenging problems because it includes a variety of seismic propagation modes, including body waves, interface waves and diffraction. SWIS is able to simulate a number of seismic phenomena. Some examples are: (1) Explosions in geologically complex formations; (2) Spontaneous earthquake ruptures and near-field ground motions; (3) Disturbances in laterally varying earth models; and (4) Wave propagation through buried and surface structures. SWIS is a versatile code in that it can solve problems in one, two or three spatial dimensions in either Cartesian or cylindrical coordinates. Although the code assumes linear elasticity and isotropic materials, it is possible to solve problems in regions containing up to nine material types. The grid generator has a feature in which the grid size may be progressively expanded at 10% per zone to simulate a non-reflecting boundary. Finally, SWIS can solve either static, diffusion or wave propagation problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245921
Entities
People
- Karen J. Faran
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory