Customer Reviews

Computer Simulation of Dynamic Phenomena (Scientific Computation)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a development of Wilkins early paper (Calculation of Elastic-Plastic Flow) followed by a generalization to 3 dimensions of his finite difference equations for solving fluid flow mechanics. The work presented forms the basis of many finite difference programs providing stable methods for solving partial differential equations of fluid flow for high velocity plastic deformations and magneto hydro dynamics. The book is easy to read and complete, he is highly recommended for any serious work in the field.

I gave this book 3 stars not because it's badly written or uninformative, but because you are bound to be disappointed when you open it since it doesn't correspond to the expectations its title generates.

The book is not about computer simulations of impact in general, but about the method used by Wilkins in his HEMP code. In this book, he explains the various parts of his algorithm. For instance, he explains his method of solution of the PDEs (a Lagrangian finite-volume-type method), his material models, etc. Wilkins and HEMP are well-known and well-respected names in the field, so the book is a very valuable addition to any collection on the subject. However, many of the methods described in this book have been replaced by more advanced ones. So the book is a good introductory reference for those who are new to the subject, but it is not where you will learn the state of the art (for the state-of-the art, David Benson's papers provide good information and useful recent references...).

This book gives an excellent detailed description of how to write a Lagrangian hydrocode. These algorithms have been used in other hydrocodes than just HEMP. I used them as the basis for my Ph.D. dissertation. The other major Lagrangian alternatives are Schulz and the finite element method of DYNA. If you want Eulerian algorithms you will have to look elsewhere.

This book is for people who work in the field of high-strain rate solid mechanics. It is not for beginers. Before reading this book I suggest Zukas's book on hydrocodes and Myers's book on dynamic behavior of materials. That will give the necesary physics background.