Implementation of mixed-time partition algorithms for nonlinear thermal analysis of structures

This paper deals with the computer implementation and the evaluation of the mixed-time partitioned algorithms for nonlinear, transient thermal analysis of structures. These procedures feature automated implicit block-by-block iterative method, different time steps in different domains, implicit-explicit procedures and adaptive time step strategies. The time step is selected on the basis of stability criteria and accuracy. Three numerical examples are presented to illustrate the selection procedures for the hybrid partitions and to confirm the stability criterion and accuracy characteristics of these methods. The advantages which can be gained by these hybrid methods in comparison to the single-step explicit method or to the single-step implicit method is also demonstrated with these examples.