Higher‐order multi‐resolution topology optimization using the finite cell method. (19th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Groen, Jeroen P.; Langelaar, Matthijs; Sigmund, Ole; Ruess, Martin
• Is Part Of: International journal for numerical methods in engineering. Volume 110:Number 10(2017)
• Page Start: 903
• Page End: 920
• Publication Date: 2016-10-19
• Subjects: topology optimization -- finite cell method -- higher‐order FEM; Numerical analysis -- Periodicals; Engineering mathematics -- Periodicals; 620.001518
• DOI: 10.1002/nme.5432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-5981

Abstract

Summary: This article presents a detailed study on the potential and limitations of performing higher‐order multi‐resolution topology optimization with the finite cell method. To circumvent stiffness overestimation in high‐contrast topologies, a length‐scale is applied on the solution using filter methods. The relations between stiffness overestimation, the analysis system, and the applied length‐scale are examined, while a high‐resolution topology is maintained. The computational cost associated with nested topology optimization is reduced significantly compared with the use of first‐order finite elements. This reduction is caused by exploiting the decoupling of density and analysis mesh, and by condensing the higher‐order modes out of the stiffness matrix. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.