The MLS-based numerical manifold method for nonlinear transient heat conduction problems in functionally graded materials

In this study, we aim to numerically solve two-dimensional nonlinear transient heat conduction problems of functionally gradient materials (FGMs), where the governing equation is a quasilinear partial differential equation of second order. For this purpose, the weak form of the initial boundary value problem is first established. Then influence domains of nodes in the moving least squares (MLS) instead of finite elements are used as the mathematical patches to construct the mathematical cover of the numerical manifold method (NMM); while the shape functions of MLS-nodes as the weight functions subordinate to the mathematical cover, leading to the moving least squares based numerical manifold method (MLS-NMM). With the weak form, the spatial discretization is carried out using MLS-NMM, whereas temporal discretization follows the Euler backward difference. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are conducted concerning transient heat conduction problems of FGMs with heat source and heat convection, suggesting that the proposed MLS-NMM enjoys advantages of both MLS and NMM in solving nonlinear transient heat conduction of FGMs.