Delamination analysis of composites by new orthotropic bimaterial extended finite element method

The extended finite element method (XFEM) is further improved for fracture analysis of composite laminates containing interlaminar delaminations. New set of bimaterial orthotropic enrichment functions are developed and utilized in XFEM analysis of linear‐elastic fracture mechanics of layered composites. Interlaminar crack‐tip enrichment functions are derived from analytical asymptotic displacement fields around a traction‐free interfacial crack. Also, heaviside and weak discontinuity enrichment functions are utilized in modeling discontinuous fields across interface cracks and bimaterial weak discontinuities, respectively. In this procedure, elements containing a crack‐tip or strong/weak discontinuities are not required to conform to those geometries. In addition, the same mesh can be used to analyze different interlaminar cracks or delamination propagation. The domain interaction integral approach is also adopted in order to numerically evaluate the mixed‐mode stress intensity factors. A number of benchmark tests are simulated to assess the performance of the proposed approach and the results are compared with available reference results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A velocity field level set method for shape and topology optimization

In this paper, we propose a new implementation of the level set shape and topology optimization, the velocity field level set method. Therein, the normal velocity field is constructed with specified basis functions and velocity design variables defined on a given set of points that are independent of the finite element mesh. A general mathematical programming algorithm can be employed to find the optimal normal velocities on the basis of the sensitivity analysis. As compared with conventional level set methods, mapping the variational boundary shape optimization problem into a finite‐dimensional design space and the use of a general optimizer makes it more efficient and straightforward to handle multiple constraints and additional design variables. Moreover, the level set function is updated by the Hamilton‐Jacobi equation using the normal velocity field; thus, the inherent merits of the implicit representation is retained. Therefore, this method combines the merits of both the general mathematical programming and conventional level set methods. Integrated topology optimization of structures with embedded components of designable geometries is considered to show the capability of this method to deal with general design variables. Several numerical examples in 2D or 3D design domains illustrate the robustness and efficiency of the method using different basis functions.     

Density and level set-XFEM schemes for topology optimization of 3-D structures

As the capabilities of additive manufacturing techniques increase, topology optimization provides a promising approach to design geometrically sophisticated structures. Traditional topology optimization methods aim at finding conceptual designs, but they often do not resolve sufficiently the geometry and the structural response such that the optimized designs can be directly used for manufacturing. To overcome these limitations, this paper studies the viability of the extended finite element method (XFEM) in combination with the level-set method (LSM) for topology optimization of three dimensional structures. The LSM describes the geometry by defining the nodal level set values via explicit functions of the optimization variables. The structural response is predicted by a generalized version of the XFEM. The LSM–XFEM approach is compared against results from a traditional Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization method for two-phase “solid–void” and “solid–solid” problems. The numerical results demonstrate that the LSM–XFEM approach describes crisply the geometry and predicts the structural response with acceptable accuracy even on coarse meshes.     

A modified extended finite element method approach for design sensitivity analysis

This paper describes a modified extended finite element method (XFEM) approach, which is designed to ease the challenge of an analytical design sensitivity analysis in the framework of structural optimisation. This novel formulation, furthermore labelled YFEM, combines the well‐known XFEM enhancement functions with a local sub‐meshing strategy using standard finite elements. It deviates slightly from the XFEM path only at one significant point but thus allows to use already derived residual vectors as well as stiffness and pseudo load matrices to assemble the desired information on cut elements without tedious and error‐prone re‐work of already performed derivations and implementations. The strategy is applied to sensitivity analysis of interface problems combining areas with different linear elastic material properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Unification of parametric and implicit methods for shape sensitivity analysis and optimization with fixed mesh

Parametric and implicit methods are traditionally thought to be two irrelevant approaches in structural shape optimization. Parametric method works as a Lagrangian approach and often uses the parametric boundary representation (B‐rep) of curves/surfaces, for example, Bezier and B‐splines in combination with the conformal mesh of a finite element model, while implicit method relies upon level‐set functions, that is, implicit functions for B‐rep, and works as an Eulerian approach in combination with the fixed mesh within the scope of extended finite element method or finite cell method. The original contribution of this work is the unification of both methods. First, a new shape optimization method is proposed by combining the features of the parametric and implicit B‐reps. Shape changes of the structural boundary are governed by parametric B‐rep on the fixed mesh to maintain the merit in computer‐aided design modeling and avoid laborious remeshing. Second, analytical shape design sensitivity is formulated for the parametric B‐rep in the framework of fixed mesh of finite cell method by means of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation. Numerical examples are solved to illustrate the unified methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A moving superimposed finite element method for structural topology optimization

Level set methods are becoming an attractive design tool in shape and topology optimization for obtaining efficient and lighter structures. In this paper, a dynamic implicit boundary‐based moving superimposed finite element method (s‐version FEM or S‐FEM) is developed for structural topology optimization using the level set methods, in which the variational interior and exterior boundaries are represented by the zero level set. Both a global mesh and an overlaying local mesh are integrated into the moving S‐FEM analysis model. A relatively coarse fixed Eulerian mesh consisting of bilinear rectangular elements is used as a global mesh. The local mesh consisting of flexible linear triangular elements is constructed to match the dynamic implicit boundary captured from nodal values of the implicit level set function. In numerical integration using the Gauss quadrature rule, the practical difficulty due to the discontinuities is overcome by the coincidence of the global and local meshes. A double mapping technique is developed to perform the numerical integration for the global and coupling matrices of the overlapped elements with two different co‐ordinate systems. An element killing strategy is presented to reduce the total number of degrees of freedom to improve the computational efficiency. A simple constraint handling approach is proposed to perform minimum compliance design with a volume constraint. A physically meaningful and numerically efficient velocity extension method is developed to avoid the complicated PDE solving procedure. The proposed moving S‐FEM is applied to structural topology optimization using the level set methods as an effective tool for the numerical analysis of the linear elasticity topology optimization problems. For the classical elasticity problems in the literature, the present S‐FEM can achieve numerical results in good agreement with those from the theoretical solutions and/or numerical results from the standard FEM. For the minimum compliance topology optimization problems in structural optimization, the present approach significantly outperforms the well‐recognized ‘ersatz material’ approach as expected in the accuracy of the strain field, numerical stability, and representation fidelity at the expense of increased computational time. It is also shown that the present approach is able to produce structures near the theoretical optimum. It is suggested that the present S‐FEM can be a promising tool for shape and topology optimization using the level set methods. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures using an evolutionary optimization method

The topology optimization using isolines/isosurfaces and extended finite element method (Iso-XFEM) is an evolutionary optimization method developed in previous studies to enable the generation of high-resolution topology optimized designs suitable for additive manufacture. Conventional approaches for topology optimization require additional post-processing after optimization to generate a manufacturable topology with clearly defined smooth boundaries. Iso-XFEM aims to eliminate this time-consuming post-processing stage by defining the boundaries using isovalues of a structural performance criterion and an extended finite element method (XFEM) scheme. In this article, the Iso-XFEM method is further developed to enable the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures undergoing large deformations. This is achieved by implementing a total Lagrangian finite element formulation and defining a structural performance criterion appropriate for the objective function of the optimization problem. The Iso-XFEM solutions for geometrically nonlinear test cases implementing linear and nonlinear modelling are compared, and the suitability of nonlinear modelling for the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures is investigated.     

A combined extended finite element and level set method for biofilm growth

This paper presents a computational technique based on the extended finite element method (XFEM) and the level set method for the growth of biofilms. The discontinuous‐derivative enrichment of the standard finite element approximation eliminates the need for the finite element mesh to coincide with the biofilm–fluid interface and also permits the introduction of the discontinuity in the normal derivative of the substrate concentration field at the biofilm–fluid interface. The XFEM is coupled with a comprehensive level set update scheme with velocity extensions, which makes updating the biofilm interface fast and accurate without need for remeshing. The kinetics of biofilms are briefly given and the non‐linear strong and weak forms are presented. The non‐linear system of equations is solved using a Newton–Raphson scheme. Example problems including 1D and 2D biofilm growth are presented to illustrate the accuracy and utility of the method. The 1D results we obtain are in excellent agreement with previous 1D results obtained using finite difference methods. Our 2D results that simulate finger formation and finger‐tip splitting in biofilms illustrate the robustness of the present computational technique. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stable 3D XFEM/vector level sets for non‐planar 3D crack propagation and comparison of enrichment schemes

We present a three‐dimensional vector level set method coupled to a recently developed stable extended finite element method (XFEM). We further investigate a new enrichment approach for XFEM adopting discontinuous linear enrichment functions in place of the asymptotic near‐tip functions. Through the vector level set method, level set values for propagating cracks are obtained via simple geometrical operations, eliminating the need for solution of differential evolution equations. The first XFEM variant ensures optimal convergence rates by means of geometrical enrichment, ie, the use of enriched elements in a fixed volume around the crack front, without giving rise to conditioning problems. The linear enrichment approach, significantly simplifies implementation and reduces the computational cost associated with numerical integration, while providing nonoptimal convergence rates similar to standard finite elements. The 2 dicretization schemes are tested for different benchmark problems, and their combination to the vector level set method is verified for nonplanar crack propagation problems.     

Shape sensitivity analysis of magnetic forces

This paper presents a shape sensitivity analysis of magnetic forces evaluated using the Maxwell stress tensor and the finite element method. The formulation is based upon a discrete approach which takes the analytical derivatives of the finite element equations with respect to the shape variables and also on the adjoint variable method in order to carry out the derivation procedure. Sensitivity analysis is developed in the context of the axisymmetrical nonlinear magnetostatic field problem with a modified magnetic vector potential as state variable. Numerical results are presented to validate this methodology. Shape sensitivity analysis is then applied to the optimization of the force-displacement characteristic of a linear actuator. A sequential quadratic programming method is used in the optimization process     

Finite element response sensitivity analysis using three‐field mixed formulation: general theory and application to frame structures

This paper presents a method to compute response sensitivities of finite element models of structures based on a three‐field mixed formulation. The methodology is based on the direct differentiation method (DDM), and produces the response sensitivities consistent with the numerical finite element response. The general formulation is specialized to frame finite elements and details related to a newly developed steel–concrete composite frame element are provided. DDM sensitivity results are validated through the forward finite difference method (FDM) using a finite element model of a realistic steel–concrete composite frame subjected to quasi‐static and dynamic loading. The finite element model of the structure considered is constructed using both monolithic frame elements and composite frame elements with deformable shear connection based on the three‐field mixed formulation. The addition of the analytical sensitivity computation algorithm presented in this paper extends the use of finite elements based on a three‐field mixed formulation to applications that require finite element response sensitivities. Such applications include structural reliability analysis, structural optimization, structural identification, and finite element model updating. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

P1‐nonconforming quadrilateral finite element for topology optimization

This investigation focuses on an alternative approach to topology optimization problems involving incompressible materials using the P1‐nonconforming finite element. Instead of using the mixed displacement‐pressure formulation, a pure displacement‐based approach can be employed for finite element formulation owing to the Poisson locking‐free property of the P1‐nonconforming element. Moreover, because the P1‐nonconforming element has linear shape functions that are defined at element vertices, it has considerably fewer degrees of freedom than other quadrilateral nonconforming elements and its implementation is as simple as that of the conforming bilinear element. Various problems dealing with incompressible materials and pressure‐loaded structures found in published works are solved to verify the applicability of the proposed method. The application of the method is extended to the optimal design of fluid channels in the Stokes flow. This is done by expressing pressure in terms of volumetric strain rates and developing a velocity‐field‐only finite element formulation. The optimization results obtained from all the problems considered in this study are in close agreement with those found in the literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A general methodology for structural shape optimization problems using automatic adaptive remeshing

The proposed methodology is based on the use of the adaptive mesh refinement (AMR ) techniques in the context of 2D shape optimization problems analysed by the finite element method. A suitable and very general technique for the parametrization of the optimization problem, using B-splines to define the boundary, is first presented. Then mesh generation, using the advancing frontal method, the error estimator and the mesh refinement criterion are studied in the context of shape optimization problems In particular, the analytical sensitivity analysis of the different items ruling the problem (B-splines. finite element mesh, structural behaviour and error estimator) is studied in detail. The sensitivities of the finite element mesh and error estimator permit their projection from one design to the next one leading to an a priori knowledge of the finite element error distribution on the new design without the necessity of any additional structural analysis. With this information the mesh refinement criterion permits one to build up a finite element mesh on the new design with a specified and controlled level of error. The robustness and reliability of the proposed methodology is checked by means of several examples.     

An extended finite element/level set method to study surface effects on the mechanical behavior and properties of nanomaterials

We present a new approach based on coupling the extended finite element method (XFEM) and level sets to study surface and interface effects on the mechanical behavior of nanostructures. The coupled XFEM‐level set approach enables a continuum solution to nanomechanical boundary value problems in which discontinuities in both strain and displacement due to surfaces and interfaces are easily handled, while simultaneously accounting for critical nanoscale surface effects, including surface energy, stress, elasticity and interface decohesion. We validate the proposed approach by studying the surface‐stress‐driven relaxation of homogeneous and bi‐layer nanoplates as well as the contribution from the surface elasticity to the effective stiffness of nanobeams. For each case, we compare the numerical results with new analytical solutions that we have derived for these simple problems; for the problem involving the surface‐stress‐driven relaxation of a homogeneous nanoplate, we further validate the proposed approach by comparing the results with those obtained from both fully atomistic simulations and previous multiscale calculations based upon the surface Cauchy–Born model. These numerical results show that the proposed method can be used to gain critical insights into how surface effects impact the mechanical behavior and properties of homogeneous and composite nanobeams under generalized mechanical deformation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

XFEM modeling and homogenization of magnetoactive composites

This paper addresses the application of the extended finite element method (XFEM) to the modeling of two-dimensional coupled magneto-mechanical field problems. Continuum formulations of the stationary magnetic and the coupled magneto-mechanical boundary problem are outlined, and the corresponding weak forms are derived. The XFEM is applied to generate numerical models of a representative volume element, characterizing a magnetoactive composite material. Weak discontinuities occurring at material interfaces are modeled numerically by an enriched approximation of the primary field variables. In order to reduce the complexity of the representation of curved interfaces, an element local approach is proposed which allows an automated computation of the level set values. The composite’s effective behavior and its coupled magneto-mechanical response are computed numerically by a homogenization procedure. The scale transition process is based on the energy equivalence condition, which is satisfied by using periodic boundary conditions.     

Structural shape and topology optimization of cast parts using level set method

This paper presents a level set‐based shape and topology optimization method for conceptual design of cast parts. In order to be successfully manufactured by the casting process, the geometry of cast parts should satisfy certain moldability conditions, which poses additional constraints in the shape and topology optimization of cast parts. Instead of using the originally point‐wise constraint statement, we propose a casting constraint in the form of domain integration over a narrowband near the material boundaries. This constraint is expressed in terms of the gradient of the level set function defining the structural shape and topology. Its explicit and analytical form facilitates the sensitivity analysis and numerical implementation. As compared with the standard implementation of the level set method based on the steepest descent algorithm, the proposed method uses velocity field design variables and combines the level set method with the gradient‐based mathematical programming algorithm on the basis of the derived sensitivity scheme of the objective function and the constraints. This approach is able to simultaneously account for the casting constraint and the conventional material volume constraint in a convenient way. In this method, the optimization process can be started from an arbitrary initial design, without the need for an initial design satisfying the cast constraint. Numerical examples in both 2D and 3D design domain are given to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

OPTIMUM SHAPE DESIGN AND POSITIONING OF FEATURES USING THE BOUNDARY INTEGRAL EQUATION METHOD

A design optimization procedure is developed using the boundary integral equation (BIE) method for linear elastostatic two-dimensional domains. Optimal shape design problems are treated where design variables are geometric parameters such as the positions and sizing dimensions of entire features on a component or structure. A fully analytical approach is adopted for the design sensitivity analysis where the BIE is implicitly differentiated. The ability to evaluate response sensitivity derivatives with respect to design variables such as feature positions is achieved through the definition of appropriate design velocity fields for these variables. How the advantages of the BIE method are amplified when extended to sensitivity analysis for this category of shape design problems is also highlighted. A mathematical programming approach with the penalty function method is used for solving the overall optimization problem. The procedure is applied to three example problems to demonstrate the optimum positioning of holes and optimization of radial dimensions of circular arcs on structures.     

Improvement of semi‐analytical design sensitivities of non‐linear structures using equilibrium relations

The accuracy problem of the semi‐analytical method for shape design sensitivity analysis has been reported for linear and non‐linear structures. The source of error is the numerical differentiation of the element internal force vector, which is inherent to the semi‐analytical approach. Such errors occur for structures whose displacement field is characterized by large rigid body rotations of individual elements. This paper presents a method for the improvement of semi‐analytical sensitivities. The method is based on the element free body equilibrium conditions, and on the exact differentiation of the rigid body modes. The method is efficient, simple to code, and can be applied to linear and non‐linear structures. The numerical examples show that this approach eliminates the abnormal errors that occur in the conventional semi‐analytical method. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Material‐dependent crack‐tip enrichment functions in XFEM for modeling interfacial cracks in bimaterials

A novel set of enrichment functions within the framework of the extended finite element method is proposed for linear elastic fracture analysis of interface cracks in bimaterials. The motivation for the new enrichment set stems from the revelation that the accuracy and conditioning of the widely accepted 12‐fold bimaterial enrichment functions significantly deteriorates with the increase in material mismatch. To this end, we propose an 8‐fold material‐dependent enrichment set, derived from the analytical asymptotic displacement field, that well captures the near‐tip oscillating singular fields of interface cracks, including the transition to weak discontinuities of bimaterials. The performance of the proposed material‐dependent enrichment functions is studied on 2 benchmark examples. Comparisons are made with the 12‐fold bimaterial enrichment as well as the classical 4‐fold homogeneous branch functions, which have also been used for bimaterials. The numerical studies clearly demonstrate the superiority of the new enrichment functions, which yield the most accurate results but with less number of degrees of freedom and significantly improved conditioning than the 12‐fold functions.     

复合材料层合板屈曲稳定性优化设计及其灵敏度计算方法

笔者在有限元分析基础上研究了以屈曲稳定性作为约束条件或优化目标的复合材料层合板结构优化设计及其灵敏度分析方法,重点讨论了屈曲临界荷载灵敏度对内力场和载荷的依赖关系及其在铺层优化、尺寸优化和形状优化问题中的不同计算方法,并在JIFEX软件中实现了复杂结构复合材料层合板优化设计方法。数值算例验证了本文算法和程序的有效性。