Finite element analysis of dynamic coupled thermoelasticity problems with relaxation times

A general finite element model is proposed to analyze transient phenomena in thermoelastic solids. Green and Lindsay’s dynamic thermoelasticity model is selected for that purpose since it allows for “second sound” effects and reduces to the classical model by appropriate choice of the parameters. Time integration of the semidiscrete finite element equations is achieved by using an implicit-explicit scheme proposed by Hughes, et al. The procedure proves to be most effective and versatile in thermal and stress wave propagation analysis. A number of examples are presented which demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of the proposed model, and the importance of finite thermal propagation speed effects.