A combined FEM and MPM simulation of impact-resistant design

This investigation explores the ability to combine the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Material Point Method (MPM) in solving dynamic impact-resistant design problems in structural mechanics. As an extension from computational fluid mechanics to computational solid dynamics, the MPM is explored as a method of deriving the forcing function that a given structure is subjected to during impact type problems. Hence, a method for combining the MPM and FEM for impact-resistant design analysis is formulated. The method developed will be implemented by exploring an impact-resistant design on a plane frame structure. By comparing the results of this study with the results found using the traditional FEM, the viability of combining the MPM and FEM for impact-resistant design is discussed. Conclusions and future are presented based on the current results.