An unconditionally stable explicit finite element algorithm for coupled hydromechanical problems of soil mechanics in pseudo‐static conditions

Abstract

In this article, we present a novel explicit time‐integration algorithm for the coupled hydromechanical soil mechanics problems in a pseudo‐static regime. After introducing the finite element discretization, the semidiscrete ordinary system of equations is integrated explicitly in time with the Runge–Kutta method. It is noted that this formulation is conditionally stable in time. By introducing a stabilization technique, the Polynomial Pressure Projection, and selecting appropriately the stabilization parameter, the formulation becomes unconditionally stable. To illustrate the performance of the method several numerical analysis are reported, considering both elastic and elasto‐plastic soil behavior.