Multiscale Implementation of Finite Element Methods for Nonlocal Models of Mechanics and Diffusion

The nonlocal models considered are free of spatial derivatives and thus are suitable for modeling problems with solutions exhibiting defects such as fractures in solids. Those models feature a horizon parameter that specifies the maximum extent of nonlocal interactions. A multiscale finite element implementation in one dimension and two dimensions of the nonlocal models is developed by taking advantage of the proven fact that, for smooth solutions, the nonlocal models reduce, as the horizon parameter tends to zero, to well-known local partial differential equations models. The implementation features adaptive abrupt mesh refinement based on the detection of defects and resulting in an abrupt transition between refined elements that contain defects and unrefined elements that do not do so. Additional difficulties encountered in the implementation that are overcome are the design of accurate quadrature rules for stiffness matrix construction that are valid for any combination of the grid size and horizon parameter. As a result, the methodology developed can attain optimal accuracy at very modest additional costs relative to situations for which the solution is smooth. Portions of the methodology can also be used for the optimal approximation, by piecewise linear polynomials, of given functions containing discontinuities. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficacy of the multiscale methodology.