Abstract: Several new analysis techniques are developed using Manifold Method based on independent covers presented previously by the author to tackle the difficulties of FEM analysis for hydraulic structures in mesh generation, precision control, and heavy workload of result analysis. Such techniques include, first of all, automatic mesh generation on the premise of keeping exact geometric boundaries of the structures based on cover meshes with arbitrary shapes, arbitrary connections and arbitrary refinements. Simultaneously through the integration of precision control and automatic result output, computations without artificial participation are expected to lay foundation for the fusion of engineering design and engineering analysis for hydraulic structures. Furthermore, a new method is proposed for calculating the stress singularity zones such as dam heels and crack tips by combining analytical solutions and numerical solutions. In addition, analysis of beams, plates and shells based on independent covers opens up a new approach for structural analysis and shape optimization of arc dams with precise geometry, and also for the analysis of thin-walled hydraulic structures. In the future, automatic computations will be achieved in the simulation analysis considering construction and operation procedures and multiple nonlinearities. These new techniques are expected to provide reliable numerical analysis results for hydraulic structures.

Key words: analysis of hydraulic structures, numerical manifold method based on independent covers, automatic mesh generation, stress singularity zone, analysis and shape optimization of arc dam, simulation analysis