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.
Original language | English |
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Journal | International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering |
Volume | 110 |
Issue number | 10 |
Pages (from-to) | 903–920 |
ISSN | 0029-5981 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- Topology optimization
- Finite cell method
- Method; higher-order FEM