A study on X-FEM in continuum structural optimization using a level set model

Peng Wei, Michael Yu Wang, Xianghua Xing

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149 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we implement the extended finite element method (X-FEM) combined with the level set method to solve structural shape and topology optimization problems. Numerical comparisons with the conventional finite element method in a fixed grid show that the X-FEM leads to more accurate results without increasing the mesh density and the degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the mesh in X-FEM is independent of the physical boundary of the design, so there is no need for remeshing during the optimization process. Numerical examples of mean compliance minimization in 2D are studied in regard to efficiency, convergence and accuracy. The results suggest that combining the X-FEM for structural analysis with the level set based boundary representation is a promising approach for continuum structural optimization. Crown

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)708-719
Number of pages12
JournalCAD Computer Aided Design
Volume42
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Extend finite element method
  • Level set method
  • Shape optimization
  • Structural optimization
  • Topology optimization

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