A neural network-based data-driven local modeling of spotwelded plates under impact

Solving large structural problems with multiple complex localized behaviors is extremely challenging. To address this difficulty, both intrusive and non-intrusive Domain Decomposition Methods (DDM) have been developed in the past, where the refined model (local) is solved separately in its own space and time scales. In this work, the Finite Element Method (FEM) at the local scale is replaced with a data-driven Reduced Order Model (ROM) to further decrease computational time. The reduced model aims to create a low-cost, accurate and efficient mapping from interface velocities to interface forces and enable the prediction of their time evolution. The present work proposes a modeling technique based on the Physics-Guided Architecture of Neural Networks (PGANNs), which incorporates physical variables other than input/output variables into the neural network architecture. We develop this approach on a 2D plate with a hole as well as a 3D case with spot-welded plates undergoing fast deformation, representing nonlinear elastoplasticity problems. Neural networks are trained using simulation data generated by explicit dynamic FEM solvers. The PGANN results are in good agreement with the FEM solutions for both test cases, including those in the training dataset as well as the unseen dataset, given the loading type is present in the training set.