Higher-order multi-resolution topology optimization using the finite cell method

Journal article (2017)

Authors

J.P. Groen Technical University of Denmark
Matthijs Langelaar Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
O Sigmund Technical University of Denmark
M. Ruess University of Glasgow
Research Group
Computational Design and Mechanics (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2017 J.P. Groen, Matthijs Langelaar, O Sigmund, M. Ruess
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1002/nme.5432
Topology optimization Finite cell method Higher-order FEM
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Precision and Microsystems Engineering

Research Group

Computational Design and Mechanics

Abstract

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.