A direct finite element method study of generalized thermoelastic problems

By using the principle of virtual work, the finite element equations corresponding to the generalized thermoelasticity with two relaxation times (i.e., the G–L theory) are derived. In order to improve the accuracy of integral transform method, especially in two/three-dimension, the equations are solved directly in time-domain. As numerical examples, the developed method is used to investigate the generalized thermoelastic behavior of a slim strip and a semi-infinite plate subject to thermal shock loading. The results demonstrate that the developed method can faithfully predict the deformation of the structure and most importantly the delicate second sound effect of heat conduction in both one and two-dimensional solids whilst it is usually difficult to model, especially in two-dimensional, by using the transform method. This method can also be used to study generalized piezothermoelastic and magnetothermoelastic problems.