An explicit predictor/multicorrector time marching with automatic adaptivity for finite-strain elastodynamics

Abstract: We propose a time-adaptive predictor/multi-corrector method to solve hyperbolic partial differential equations, based on the generalized-$\alpha$ scheme that provides user-control on the numerical dissipation and second-order accuracy in time. Our time adaptivity uses an error estimation that exploits the recursive structure of the variable updates. The predictor/multicorrector method explicitly updates the equation system but computes the residual of the system implicitly. We analyze the method's stability and describe how to determine the parameters that ensure high-frequency dissipation and accurate low-frequency approximation. Subsequently, we solve a linear wave equation, followed by non-linear finite strain deformation problems with different boundary conditions. Thus, our method is a straightforward, stable and computationally efficient approach to simulate real-world engineering problems. Finally, to show the performance of our method, we provide several numerical examples in two and three dimensions. These challenging tests demonstrate that our predictor/multicorrector scheme dynamically adapts to sudden energy releases in the system, capturing impacts and boundary shocks. The method efficiently and stably solves dynamic equations with consistent and under-integrated mass matrices conserving the linear and angular momenta as well as the system's energy for long-integration times.