Formulation and numerical evaluation of a novel twice-interpolation finite element method （TFEM） is presented for solid mechanics problems. In this method, the trial function for Galerkin weak form is constructed through two stages of consecutive interpolation. The primary interpolation follows exactly the same procedure of standard FEM and is further reproduced according to both nodal values and averaged nodal gradients obtained from primary interpolation. The trial functions thus constructed have continuous nodal gradients and contain higher order polynomial without increasing total freedoms. Several benchmark examples and a real dam problem are used to examine the TFEM in terms of accuracy and convergence. Compared with standard FEM, TFEM can achieve significantly better accuracy and higher convergence rate, and the continuous nodal stress can be obtained without any smoothing operation. It is also found that TFEM is insensitive to the quality of the elemental mesh. In addition, the present TFEM can treat the incompressible material without any modification.
The theory of functionally graded material(FGM)was applied in the fabrication process of PEN(Positive-Electrolyte-Negative),the core component of solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC).To enhance its electrochemical performance,the functionally graded PEN of planar SOFC was prepared by atmospheric plasma spray(APS).The cross-sectional SEM micrograph and element energy spectrum of the resultant PEN were analyzed.Its interface resistance was also compared with that without the graded layers to investigate the electrochemical performance enhanced by the functionally graded layers.Moreover,a new process, suspension plasma spray(SPS)was applied to preparing the SOFC electrolyte.Higher densification of the coating by SPS,1.61%,is observed,which is helpful to effectively improve its electrical conductivity.The grain size of the electrolyte coating fabricated by SPS is also smaller than that by APS,which is more favourable to obtain the dense electrolyte coatings.To sum up,all mentioned above can prove that the hybrid process of APS and SPS could be a better approach to fabricate the PEN of SOFC stacks,in which APS is for porous electrodes and SPS for dense electrolyte.
