Finite cell method for functionally graded materials based on V-models and homogenized microstructures

• Main Authors: Benjamin Wassermann, Nina Korshunova, Stefan Kollmannsberger, Ernst Rank, Gershon Elber
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2020-12-01
• Series: Advanced Modeling and Simulation in Engineering Sciences
• Subjects: Functionally Ggraded material; V-reps; V-models; Finite cell method; Direct simulation; Additive manufacturing
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40323-020-00182-1

Abstract This paper proposes an extension of the finite cell method (FCM) to V-rep models, a novel geometric framework for volumetric representations. This combination of an embedded domain approach (FCM) and a new modeling framework (V-rep) forms the basis for an efficient and accurate simulation of mechanical artifacts, which are not only characterized by complex shapes but also by their non-standard interior structure. These types of objects gain more and more interest in the context of the new design opportunities opened by additive manufacturing, in particular when graded or micro-structured material is applied. Two different types of functionally graded materials (FGM) are considered: The first one, multi-material FGM is described using the inherent property of V-rep models to assign different properties throughout the interior of a domain. The second, single-material FGM—which is heterogeneously micro-structured—characterizes the effective material behavior of representative volume elements by homogenization and performs large-scale simulations using the embedded domain approach.