WT05 - What is implicit?
imposed:NAFEMS 31/10/2013 14:51 Page 1
Selection of implicit vs.
explicit solution.
The selection of the type of solution is
normally determined by which provides
the best compromise of accuracy and
solve time for the application under
consideration.
Explicit methods are the only practical
solution for highly non-linear transient
simulations, but often require multiple
processors and careful modelling in
order to achieve an efficient solution.
For problems such as non-linear quasi-
static loading an explicit solution may
be also preferred the rate of
convergence of an implicit scheme can
result in a very long computation time.
Implicit methods typically provide a
more efficient solution of linear static
or dynamic problems and mildly non-
linear static problems (e.g. elasto-plastic
deformation under static load) and
allow high levels of mesh refinement to
capture high stress gradients etc.
Multi-stage simulation.
In many engineering applications it is
necessary to simulate a sequence of
load cases in order to fully replicate the
physics. Examples may be birdstrike
simulation on an aero-engine or in
stamping simulation. In the first case it
is necessary to impose steady-state
rotation on the fan, followed by the
simulation of the dynamic impact
What is sensitivity analysis?
event. In the second the part is
deformed by gravity, stamped and then
exhibits springback to reach the final
shape. Though it is possible to use an
explicit transient dynamic simulation to
deliver the full solution in both cases, it
can be very computationally expensive
and slow to deliver the steady-state
condition using a transient explicit
simulation.
To address this type of problem, a
number of commercial codes allow the
use of multi-stage simulations using
combinations of implicit and explicit
simulation. So, in the example of a
birdstrike, the steady state rotation of
the fan can be set up as a linear
implicit simulation to deliver the initial
conditions for the subsequent birdstrike
simulation saving a substantial
amount of computing time in the
What is
overall solution. In the case of
stamping, gravity loading would be an
implicit simulation, forming an explicit
simulation and springback again an
implicit simulation. Implicit and Explicit
Finite Element Simulation?
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WT05 - What is implicit? imposed:NAFEMS 31/10/2013 14:51 Page 2

What is
Implicit and Explicit Finite Element Simulation?

F
Inite element simulation is a numerical technique widely used to solve complex either taking the form of a direct the model and, in the case of a non-
structural mechanics problems in engineering. The numerical solution can be achieved dynamic or a modal superposition linear static or dynamic analysis, the
using either an implicit or explicit approach the terms describing the way that the solution. number of iterations required to deliver
mathematical equations are formulated for solution. In engineering terms, the choice the final converged solution.
of implicit or explicit solution is generally determined by the nature of the engineering Some typical applications for which
problem being solved and the important physics to be considered. In this short guide the implicit solutions would normally be
Advanced material models, contact and
different approaches and some typical applications are described, together with some used are :
non-linear dynamics are available in
important considerations for each. implicit codes. Care should be taken to
Stress analysis and structural
ensure efficient convergence of these
integrity based on static loading.
solutions to ensure a reasonable
The difference between an require the inversion of a matrix with
Normal modes analysis.
solution time. All solvers include some
many millions of degrees of freedom capability for automatic time-step
implicit solution and an with the result that large amounts of control.
explicit solution. memory and processing can be Forced vibration response analysis.
In mathematical terms, the differences required to perform the solution. The size and types of element selected
between an implicit and an explicit Soil mechanics. should be suitable to capture the
finite element solution are quite clear. An explicit solution scheme is achieved gradients in the problem, but apart
In practical engineering applications the through a time-based step-by-step Fracture mechanics. from the size of the model and the
approach that is more suitable for solution of the equations and only quality of the mesh there are no Automotive crash analysis. the model a small element requires a
solving a specific problem may be less requires the inversion of a lumped mass limitations on the minimum size of small timestep and as a result it is
apparent. matrix a much simpler computation elements in the solution. Aerospace birdstrike analysis. important to balance the spatial
which can efficiently be solved with a discretisation required to capture the
For structural mechanics applications, large number of computationally Blast damage. physics with the time-step required to
the governing equations generally take inexpensive steps. Considerations for implicit ensure stability and the solution time.
the form: Forming simulation. Methods exist to enable these criteria
simulation. to be relaxed but it is important to
As described above, an implicit analysis
Typical applications for Ballistics. understand what other implications
typically involves the solution of a large
these approaches have on the
matrix and as a result requires large explicit simulation. simulation to ensure the final result
amounts of memory and disk access. Explicit simulation is generally applied Considerations for explicit simulation.
Typical applications for remains valid. For example, dynamic
The solution time can be constrained to highly non-linear, short duration As discussed above, an explicit
Where, F, K, M and C are the force, mass scaling can be used to artificially
stiffness, mass and damping matrices
implicit simulation. by the size of model, the power of the transient events such as crashes, simulation is based on a time-stepping increase the density of small elements
Implicit simulation is generally computational resources available and impacts or high-speed manufacturing solution scheme. It is critical that a
respectively and x is a vector of to increase the time step, but this can
applicable to linear or mildly non-linear the degree of non-linear behaviour. processes but can be applied to almost small enough time step is used to
displacement. In order to solve these result in non-physical dynamic effects.
static simulations. High levels of Parallel processing of the model is any application and is well suited to ensure the stability of the calculation,
equations using the finite element
geometric or material non-linearity can possible with a number of solvers, but problems with, for example, contact or but important not to use too small a
method we must select a time Advanced features such as airbag
lead to convergence problems. This can the methods do not scale well to material failure. The trade-off is step as this will have a proportional
integration scheme - either implicit or inflation, material rupture, self-contact
result in either a slow solution or no benefit from massively parallel normally the amount of computing and effect on the solution time.
explicit. and massively parallel processing are
solution. processing. the solution time required. available in most explicit codes to
The implicit solution scheme is achieved It must also be remembered that the provide highly realistic physics and a
Another application of implicit solution Typically the solution time for an
through a direct or iterative solution of Some typical applications for which stability requirement results in the time- fast solution time to meet the demands
is linear dynamics for example normal implicit analysis is highly dependent on
the stiffness or dynamic stiffness matrix. explicit solution would normally be step being limited by factors such as of applications such as automotive
modes or forced response. These are the number of degrees-of-freedom in
For many applications the model will used are : the minimum size of the elements in safety development.
based on linearised dynamic equations

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