NOTE:  Abstract submission is now closed. 

Welcome to the Workshop for Meshfree Methods for Large-Scale Computational Science and Engineering, sponsored by the U.S. Association for Computational Mechanics (USACM).  The two-day workshop will take place at the Embassy Suites Tampa USF/Busch Gardens hotel, near the University of South Florida.

Meshfree (particle) methods have received significant attention in solving science and engineering problems in recent years. These methods introduce approximations for solving partial-differential or integral-differential equations without using a conventional meshing topology. Such capabilities can reduce the strong tie between the quality of discretization and the quality of approximation and avoid the difficult task of tessellating complex structures. Meshfree methods naturally avoid mesh distortion problems by using basis functions without element topologies. Arbitrary order of smoothness in the approximation can be defined, leading to the unique ability in constructing approximation functions with desired order of continuity for capturing rough or smooth characteristics in the physical problems. This unique approximation property provides the opportunity for solving problems that are difficult or impossible to be solved by the conventional mesh based methods. Both strong- and weak- (variational) form solution techniques have been employed in conjunction with meshfree interpolation, each with their distinctive advantages and challenges. For example, weak-form approaches allow for approximation spaces with lower order continuity, but are typically more computationally expensive than strong-form collocation procedures due to the quadrature issues. Strong-form methods are typically easier to implement computationally, but incur issues with respect to the need for higher order continuity and completeness in the approximation. The purpose for this workshop is to call attention to the attributes and shortcomings of these methods in the context of solving large scale science and engineering problems. Topics of interest related to meshfree methods include, but are not limited to:

• fragment-impact simulation, penetration mechanics

• problems with large deformations – localized plasticity

• multiscale modeling - geomaterials, polymer matrix composites, alloys, ceramics, material defects, atomistic-to-continuum coupling

• multiphysics problems – coupled thermo-mechanics, electromigration, electro-active polymers, poro-elasticity, mixture theories

• nonlocal methods – nonlocal elasticity, peridynamics

• granular materials

• software implementations and advances in parallel computing – traditional distributed, accelerator-based, and heterogeneous

• Mathematical theory of meshfree, generalized finite element, and particle methods

• Fast and stable domain integration methods

• Enhanced treatment of boundary conditions

• Identification and characterization of problems where meshfree methods have clear advantage over classical approaches