Spatially varying structural properties in structural mechanics pde model

I am looking to spatially vary structural properties in my mechanical model, specifically the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) but would have an interest in varying others too.

I have seen how this can be done with anonymous functions with thermal models (https://uk.mathworks.com/help/pde/ug/pde.thermalmodel.thermalproperties.html) for thermal properties, and how it can be done for some material properties in unified models (https://uk.mathworks.com/help/pde/ug/pde.materialproperties.html). Unfortunately, CTE is not one of the material properties that accepts a function handle in a unified model material property.

Can this be done at all using domain-specifc or unified modelling or is my only option to use a general PDE model?

Answer 1

[Manikanta Aditya]

Hi,

In MATLAB, the domain-specific modeling approach allows you to solve structural mechanics, heat transfer, and electromagnetic problems using specific objects corresponding to each problem type. However, in this workflow, you can only store parameters belonging to the specified analysis type. For example, a StructuralModel object cannot store parameters corresponding to a thermal or electromagnetic problem, such as thermal conductivity or current density.

Unfortunately, as you’ve noted, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is not one of the material properties that accepts a function handle in a unified model material property. This limitation might require you to use a general PDE model if you need to spatially vary the CTE.

To vary the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) or other structural properties spatially, you can:

1. Use domain-specific models if they support function handles for the properties you need.
2. Use unified models for coupled physics problems, but be aware of their limitations regarding function handles for certain properties.
3. Use a general PDE model for maximum flexibility in defining spatially varying properties.

Please refer to the following reference to know more about

• Domain - Specific Modeling: https://www.mathworks.com/help/pde/domain-specific-modeling.html
• Unified Modeling: https://www.mathworks.com/help/pde/finite-element-analysis-model.html

I hope this helps!