• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.663-678
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• 2020

This paper proposes a novel topology optimization method generating multiple materials for external linear plane crack structures based on the combination of IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) and eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM). A so-called eXtended IsoGeometric Analysis (X-IGA) is derived for a mechanical description of a strong discontinuity state's continuous boundaries through the inherited special properties of X-FEM. In X-IGA, control points and patches play the same role with nodes and sub-domains in the finite element method. While being similar to X-FEM, enrichment functions are added to finite element approximation without any mesh generation. The geometry of structures based on basic functions of Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) provides accurate and reliable results. Moreover, the basis function to define the geometry becomes a systematic p-refinement to control the field approximation order without altering the geometry or its parameterization. The accuracy of analytical solutions of X-IGA for the crack problem, which is superior to a conventional X-FEM, guarantees the reliability of the optimal multi-material retrofitting against external cracks through using topology optimization. Topology optimization is applied to the minimal compliance design of two-dimensional plane linear cracked structures retrofitted by multiple distinct materials to prevent the propagation of the present crack pattern. The alternating active-phase algorithm with optimality criteria-based algorithms is employed to update design variables of element densities. Numerical results under different lengths, positions, and angles of given cracks verify the proposed method's efficiency and feasibility in using X-IGA compared to a conventional X-FEM.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.345-352
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• 2014

In this paper, the CAD data for the optimal shape design obtained by isogeometric shape optimization is directly used to fabricate the specimen by using 3D printer for the experimental validation. In a conventional finite element method, the geometric approximation inherent in the mesh leads to the accuracy issue in response analysis and design sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, in the finite element based shape optimization, subsequent communication with CAD description is required in the design optimization process, which results in the loss of optimal design information during the communication. Isogeometric analysis method employs the same NURBS basis functions and control points used in CAD systems, which enables to use exact geometrical properties like normal vector and curvature information in the response analysis and design sensitivity analysis procedure. Also, it vastly simplify the design modification of complex geometries without communicating with the CAD description of geometry during design optimization process. Therefore, the information of optimal design and material volume is exactly reflected to fabricate the specimen for experimental validation. Through the design optimization examples of elasticity problem, it is experimentally shown that the optimal design has higher stiffness than the initial design. Also, the experimental results match very well with the numerical results. Using a non-contact optical 3D deformation measuring system for strain distribution, it is shown that the stress concentration is significantly alleviated in the optimal design compared with the initial design.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.275-281
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• 2010

In this paper, the design optimization of structures with stress constraints is performed using isogeometric shape optimization method. The stress constraints have an important role in design optimization problems since stress concentration could result in structural failure. To represent exact geometry in analysis, the isogeometric analysis method uses the same basis functions as used in the CAD geometry. The geometrically exact model can be used in both stress and design sensitivity analyses so that it can yield more precise optimal design than finite element one. Through numerical examples, the isogeometric approach turns out to be effective in shape optimization problems under stress constraints.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.233-238
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• 2008

In this paper, a shape design optimization method for linearly elastic problems is developed using isogeometric approach. In many design optimization problems for practical engineering models, initial raw data usually come from a CAD modeler. Then, designers should convert the CAD data into finite element mesh data since most of conventional design optimization tools are based on finite element analysis. During this conversion, there are some numerical errors due to geometric approximation, which causes accuracy problems in response as well as design sensitivity analyses. As a remedy for this phenomenon, the isogeometric analysis method can be one of the promising approaches for the shape design optimization. The main idea of isogeometric approach is that the basis functions used in analysis is exactly the same as the ones representing the geometry. This geometrically exact model can be used in the shape sensitivity analysis and design optimization as well. Therefore the shape design sensitivity with high accuracy can be obtained, which is very essential for a gradient-based optimization. Through numerical examples, it is verified that the shape design optimization based on an isogeometic approach works well.