Multi-material topology optimization for crack problems based on eXtended isogeometric analysis

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.