Geometrically exact continuum physics formulations for coupled problems
Continuum physics aims to explain the response of a system wherein multiple physical processes occur. An example is an electro-active polymer. The physical processes are generally coupled to one another and to the mechanical response. The development of robust algorithms for these highly-nonlinear systems is challenging.
Current areas of research in the GCEC include:
- thermo-electro-mechanics;
- magneto-electro-mechanics;
- thermo-chemo-electro-mechanics.
The geometric deformations are in addition finite and hence nonlinear hence the need for a geometrically exact formulation.