This project is developing a computational platform that solves the equations that describe coupled phenomena in mechanics. A distributed architecture is being employed for computational efficiency. This client/server system will integrate a finite element code, a multi-body dynamics code and a contact code to solve the problems of flexible multi-bodies in contact.
The broader impact of the research will be twofold. First, the research will enable those without access to legacy systems to code their own system analysis tools. Second, the platform can be used to teach computational mechanics and computer science. Students in mechanics will be able to code their own physics processes and see their numerical methods operate on real-world problems allowing them to immediately visualize the results and assess their own understanding.
