The control volume finite element numerical solution technique applied to creep in softwoods

This paper presents the novel application of the control volume finite element method (CVFE), otherwise known as the vertex-centered control volume scheme, to creep problems. The discretisation procedure is valid for both structured and unstructured meshes thus enabling complex geometries to be modelled. Analytical solutions to engineering problems involving creep often do not exist, therefore, a comparison with the well established numerical solution technique, the finite element method, has been included to provide a benchmark solution. c 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.