A Stress-Based Gradient Elasticity in the Smoothed Finite Element Framework

This paper presents two-dimensional boundary value problems of the stress-based gradient elasticity within the smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) framework. Gradient elasticity is introduced to address the limitations of classical elasticity, particularly its struggle to capture size-dependent mechanical behavior at the micro/nano scale. The Ru-Aifantis theorem is employed to overcome the challenges of high-order differential equations in gradient elasticity. This theorem effectively splits the original equation into two solvable second-order differential equations, enabling its incorporation into the S-FEM framework. The present method utilizes a staggered scheme to solve the boundary value problems. This approach efficiently separates the calculation of the local displacement field (obtained over each smoothing domain) from the non-local stress field (computed element-wise). A series of numerical tests are conducted to investigate the influence of the internal length scale, a key parameter in gradient elasticity. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in smoothing stress concentrations typically observed at crack tips and dislocation lines.