The finite cell method is a highly flexible discretization technique for numerical analysis on domains with complex geometries. By using a non-boundary conforming computational domain that can be easily meshed, automatized computations on a wide range of geometrical models can be performed. Application of the finite cell method, and other immersed methods, to large real-life and industrial problems is often limited due to the conditioning problems associated with these methods. These conditioning problems have caused researchers to resort to direct solution methods, which significantly limit the maximum size of solvable systems. Iterative solvers are better suited for large-scale computations than their direct counterparts due to their lower memory requirements and suitability for parallel computing. These benefits can, however, only be exploited when systems are properly conditioned. In this contribution we present an Additive-Schwarz type preconditioner that enables efficient and parallel scalable iterative solutions of large-scale multi-level hp-refined finite cell analyses.
sue by integrating a two-dimensional phase-field framework for brittle fracture with the finite cell method (FCM). The FCM based on high-order finite elements is a non-geometry-conforming discretization technique wherein the physical domain is embedded into a larger fictitious domain of simple geometry that can be easily discretized. This facilitates mesh generation for complex geometries and supports local refinement. Numerical examples including a comparison to a validation experiment illustrate the applicability of the multi-level hp-refinement and the FCM in the context of phase-field simulations.
This work presents a numerical discretization technique for solving 3-dimensional material interface problems involving complex geometry without conforming mesh generation. The finite cell method (FCM), which is a high-order fictitious domain approach, is used for the numerical approximation of the solution without a boundary-conforming mesh. Weak discontinuities at material interfaces are resolved by using separate FCM meshes for each material sub-domain and weakly enforcing the interface conditions between the different meshes. Additionally, a recently developed hierarchical hp-refinement scheme is used to locally refine the FCM meshes to resolve singularities and local solution features at the interfaces. Thereby, higher convergence rates are achievable for nonsmooth problems. A series of numerical experiments with 2- and 3-dimensional benchmark problems is presented, showing that the proposed hp-refinement scheme in conjunction with the weak enforcement of the interface conditions leads to a significant improvement of the convergence rates, even in the presence of singularities. Finally, the proposed technique is applied to simulate a vertebra-implant model. The application showcases the method's potential as an accurate simulation tool for biomechanical problems involving complex geometry, and it demonstrates its flexibility in dealing with different types of geometric description.
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