Reliable nonlinear hybrid simulation using modified operator splitting technique

Abstract

One of the main challenges of hybrid simulation is developing integration methods that not only provide accurate and stable results but also are compatible with the hybrid simulation circumstances. This paper presents a novel enhanced integration technique for hybrid simulation termed "modified operator splitting" (MOS) method. The main aim of the MOS technique is to improve the precision of the operator splitting (OS) method by reducing the corrector step length, where initial stiffness is utilized instead of actual stiffness. For this purpose, a new algorithm is proposed, which makes a more precise estimation of the predictor displacement; thus minimizes the effect of the corrective procedure. As a result, a higher percentage of the restoring force is based on actual experimental behavior rather than being approximated, which finally leads to a very precise and reliable integration method, especially for nonlinear hybrid simulations. Performance of the MOS method is evaluated by the following: (a) Analytical studies, (b) numerical simulations, and (c) hybrid simulation. The accuracy analysis for a wide range of structures and ductility levels demonstrates the superior precision of MOS over OS, especially for severe nonlinearities and larger Δt/T 0 . In terms of stability, it is shown that for practical applications of civil engineering problems, MOS provides stable results. Furthermore, the application of MOS to hybrid simulation not only again verifies its higher precision over OS, but also shows that MOS minimizes the accumulation of errors during the test; the characteristic that is desirable for a method applied to feedback systems such as hybrid simulation.