Generalized variational principles with several arbitrary parameters and the variable substitution and multiplier method

Abstract

The functional transformations of variational principles in elasticity are classified as three patterns: I relaxation pattern, II augmented pattern and III equivalent pattern.

On the basis of pattern III, the generalized variational principles with several arbitrary parameters are formulated and their functionals are defined. They are: the generalized principle of single variable u with several parameters, the generalized principle of two variables u, σ with several parameters, the generalized principle of two variables u, ε with several parameters, and the generalized principle of three veriables u, ε, σ with several parameters. From these principles, a series of new forms of equivalent functionals can be obtained. When the values of these parameters are properly chosen, a series of finite element models can be formulated.

In this paper, the question of losing effectiveness for Lagrange multiplier method is also discussed. In order to “recover” effectiveness for multiplier method, a modified method, namely, the variable substitution and multiplier method, is proposed.