SUMMARYThis paper proposes an algorithm for the synthesis/optimization of microstructures based on an exact formula for the topological derivative of the macroscopic elasticity tensor and a level set domain representation. The macroscopic elasticity tensor is estimated by a standard multi-scale constitutive theory where the strain and stress tensors are volume averages of their microscopic counterparts over a representative volume element. The algorithm is of simple computational implementation. In particular, it does not require artificial algorithmic parameters or strategies. This is in sharp contrast with existing microstructural optimization procedures and follows as a natural consequence of the use of the topological derivative concept. This concept provides the correct mathematical framework to treat topology changes such as those characterizing microstuctural optimization problems. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is illustrated in a set of finite element-based numerical examples
Purpose Assess the Gurson yield criterion for porous ductile metals. Methodology A finite element procedure is used within a purely kinematical multiscale constitutive modelling framework to determine estimates of extremal overall yield surfaces. The RVEs analysed consist of an elastic-perfectly plastic von Mises type matrix under plane strain conditions containing a single centered circular hole. Macroscopic yield surface estimates are obtained under three different RVE kinematical assumptions: linear boundary displacements (an upper bound); periodic boundary displacement fluctuations (corresponding to periodically perforated media); and, minimum constraint or uniform boundary traction (a lower bound). Findings The Gurson criterion predictions fall within the bounds obtained under relatively high void ratios -when the bounds lie farther apart. Under lower void ratios, when the bounds lie close together, the Gurson predictions of yield strength lie slightly above the computed upper bounds in regions of intermediate to high stress triaxiality. A modification to the original Gurson yield function is proposed that can capture the computed estimates under the three RVE kinematical constraints considered. Originality Assesses the accuracy of the Gurson criterion by means of a fully computational multi-scale approach to constitutive modelling. Provides an alternative criterion for porous plastic media which encompasses the common microscopic kinematical constraints adopted in this context.
In the first part of this contribution, a brief theoretical revision of the mechanical and variational foundations of a Failure-Oriented Multiscale Formulation (FOMF) devised for modeling failure in heterogeneous materials is described.The proposed model considers two well separated physical length scales, namely: (i) the "macro" scale where nucleation and evolution of a cohesive surface is considered as a medium to characterize the degradation phenomenon occurring at the lower length scale, and (ii) the "micro" scale where some mechanical processes that lead to the material failure are taking place, such as strain localization, damage, shear band formation, etc. These processes are modeled using the concept of Representative Volume Element (RVE). On the macro scale, the traction separation response, characterizing the mechanical behavior of the cohesive interface, is a result of the failure processes simulated in the micro scale. The traction separation response is obtained by a particular homogenization technique applied on specific RVE subdomains. Standard, as well as, Non-Standard boundary conditions are consistently derived in order to preserve "objectivity" of the homogenized response with respect to the micro-cell size.In the second part of the paper, and as an original contribution, the detailed numerical implementation of the two-scale model based on the Finite Element Method is presented. Special attention is devoted to the topics which are distinctive of the FOMF, such as: (i) the finite element technologies adopted in each scale along with their corresponding algorithmic expressions, (ii) the generalized treatment given to the kinematical boundary conditions in the RVE and (iii) how these kinematical restrictions affect the capturing of macroscopic material instability modes and the posterior evolution of failure at the RVE level.Finally, a set of numerical simulations is performed in order to show the potentialities of the proposed methodology, as well as, to compare and validate the numerical solution furnished by the two-scale model with respect to a mono-scale Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) approach.
The topological sensitivity analysis for the heterogeneous and anisotropic elasticity problem in two-dimensions is performed in this work. The main result of the paper is an analytical closed-form of the topological derivative for the total potential energy of the problem. This derivative displays the sensitivity of the cost functional (the energy in this case) when a small singular perturbation is introduced in an arbitrary point of the domain. In this case, we consider a small disc with a completely different elastic material. Full mathematical justification for the derived formula, and derivations of precise estimates for the remainders of the topological asymptotic expansion are provided. Finally, the influence of the heterogeneity and anisotropy is shown through some numerical examples of structural topology optimization.
This paper proposes an exact analytical formula for the topological sensitivity of the macroscopic response of elastic microstructures to the insertion of circular inclusions. The macroscopic response is assumed to be predicted by a well-established multi-scale constitutive theory where the macroscopic strain and stress tensors are defined as volume averages of their microscopic counterpart fields over a representative volume element (RVE) of material. The proposed formula-a symmetric fourth-order tensor field over the RVE domain-is a topological derivative which measures how the macroscopic elasticity tensor changes when an infinitesimal circular elastic inclusion is introduced within the RVE. In the limits, when the inclusion/matrix phase contrast ratio tends to zero and infinity, the sensitivities to the insertion of a hole and a rigid inclusion, respectively, are rigorously obtained. The derivation relies on the topological asymptotic analysis of the predicted macroscopic elasticity and is presented in detail. The derived fundamental formula is of interest to many areas of applied and computational mechanics. To illustrate its potential applicability, a simple finite element-based example is presented where the topological derivative information is used to automatically generate a bi-material microstructure to meet pre-specified macroscopic properties.
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