Explicit time integration algorithms for structural dynamics with optimal numerical dissipation Original Research Article

A new predictor-corrector explicit time integration algorithm is presented for solving structural dynamics problems. The basis of the algorithm is the implicit generalized-α method developed by the authors. Like its implicit parent, the explicit generalized-α method is a one-parameter family of algorithms in which the parameter defines the high-frequency numerical dissipation. For a given value of high-frequency dissipation, the explicit generalized-α method minimizes low-frequency dissipation. The algorithm can be utilized effectively for structural dynamics calculations in which numerical dissipation is needed to reduce spurious oscillations. Parameter values are given that enable physical damping to be treated explicitly while maintaining second-order accuracy without the need for an expensive second corrector pass.