Variational-based higher-order energy-momentum schemes with incompatible modes for fiber-reinforced materials

In this paper, a new class of time-stepping schemes for structural dynamics is presented, which originally emanate from Gauss-Runge-Kutta schemes as traditional representatives of higher-order symplectic-momentum schemes. The presented time stepping schemes belong to the family of higher-order energy-momentum schemes, which represent Gauss-Runge-Kutta schemes with a physically motivated time approximation of the considered mechanical system. As higher-order energy-momentum schemes so far are not derived by using a straight-forward design method, a variational-based design of energy-momentum schemes is shown. Here, a differential variational principle of continuum mechanics, Jourdain’s principle, is discretized, and energy-momentum schemes emanate as discrete Euler-Lagrange equations. This procedure is strong related, but is not identical, to the derivation of variational integrators (VI), which emanate from discretising a Lagrange function or Hamilton’s principle, respectively. Furthermore, this design procedure is well suited to connect energy-momentum schemes with numerical modifications based on mixed variational principles, as the enhanced assumed strain elements for improving the spatial discretisation in direction of a locking-free discrete formulation. Therefore, a Q1/E9 energy-momentum scheme of higher order for the continuum formulation of fiber-reinforced materials is presented. This material formulation is important for simulating dynamics of light-weight structures.