An integrated approach for the conformal discretization of complex inclusion-based microstructures

• Published in: Computational mechanics Vol. 64; no. 4; pp. 1049 - 1071
• Main Authors: Ehab Moustafa Kamel, Karim, Sonon, Bernard, Massart, Thierry Jacques
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-10-2019; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Classical and Continuum Physics; Computational Science and Engineering; Computer simulation; Discretization; Engineering; Finite element method; Integrated approach; Mesh generation; Microstructure; Original Paper; Permeability; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Implicit geometries; Heterogeneous materials; Multi-scale analysis; Mesh Optimization; Conforming meshes; FEM
• ISSN: 0178-7675; 1432-0924
• DOI: 10.1007/s00466-019-01693-4

Computational homogenization techniques nowadays are extensively used to gain a better understanding of the links between complex microstructural features in materials and their corresponding (evolving) macroscopic properties. This requires robust tools to discretize complex microstructural geometries and enable simulations. To achieve this, the present contribution presents an integrated approach for the conformal discretization of complex inclusion-based RVE geometries defined implicitly based on experimental techniques or through computational RVE generation methodologies. The conforming mesh generator extends the Persson–Strang truss analogy in order to deal with complex periodic heterogeneous RVEs. Such an approach, based on signed distance fields, carries the advantage that the level set information maintained in previously presented RVE generation methodologies (Sonon et al. in Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 223:103–122,
2012
.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2012.02.018
) can seamlessly be used in the discretization procedure. This provides a natural link between the RVE geometry generation and the mesh generator to obtain high quality optimized FEM meshes exploitable in regular codes and softwares.