The Material-Point Method for Continuum Mechanics

Prof. Deborah Sulsky, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico

The material-point method (MPM) is a particle-in-cell method for continuum mechanics. It evolved from a low-dissipation, hydrodynamics code developed at Los Alamos, and can now treat fluids and solids, and their interactions. Key to the method is the utilization of both Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions of the continuum to best advantage. A description of MPM will be given as well as sample calculations that illustrate properties of the method. Illustrations will be drawn from applications to manufacturing processes such as metal machining, upsetting, and extrusion, as well as impact problems. An overview of current projects using the methodology will also be presented. These projects include microstructural models of binary alloys, analysis of granular materials, and modeling of membranes.