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

Groen, J. P., Langelaar, M., Sigmund, O. and Ruess, M. (2017) Higher-order multi-resolution topology optimization using the finite cell method. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 110(10), pp. 903-920. (doi: 10.1002/nme.5432)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The first author acknowledges the support of the performed research at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology. The first and third author received support from the Villum foundation through the NextTop project.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ruess, Dr Martin
• Authors: Groen, J. P., Langelaar, M., Sigmund, O., and Ruess, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
• Journal Name: International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0029-5981
• ISSN (Online): 2040-7947
• Published Online: 04 October 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd
• First Published: First published in International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 110(10): 903-920
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy