Multigrid solution of the 3D stress field in strongly heterogeneous materials

Technology allows the production of advanced (heterogeneous) materials controlling properties on an increasingly local scale, e.g. layered, graded, granular and fiber-reinforced. In this paper the efficiency of the Multigrid method for 3D stress calculation involving such materials is investigated. Results are validated using model problems and the full potential is demonstrated for two representative problems. The developed algorithm facilitates solution of 3D problems with high accuracy and dense grids on standard computers. It has excellent prospects for use in performance prediction, analysis and numerical (local) design optimization in tribology and contact mechanics. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.