This chapter introduces the finite element method (FEM) as a tool for solution of classical electromagnetic problems. Although we discuss the main points in the application of the finite element method to electromagnetic design, including formulation and implementation, those who seek deeper understanding of the finite element method should consult some of the works listed in the bibliography section.

Introduction to the Finite Element Method

Wave propagation and group velocity

Manufacturing-oriented topology optimization has been extensively studied the past two decades, in particular for the conventional manufacturing methods, for example, machining and injection molding or casting. Both design and manufacturing engineers have benefited from these efforts because of the close-to-optimal and friendly-to-manufacture design solutions. Recently, additive manufacturing (AM) has received significant attention from both academia and industry. AM is characterized by producing geometrically complex components layer-by-layer, and greatly reduces the geometric complexity restrictions imposed on topology optimization by conventional manufacturing. In other words, AM can make near-full use of the freeform structural evolution of topology optimization. Even so, new rules and restrictions emerge due to the diverse and intricate AM processes, which should be carefully addressed when developing the AM-specific topology optimization algorithms. Therefore, the motivation of this perspective paper is to summarize the state-of-art topology optimization methods for a variety of AM topics. At the same time, this paper also expresses the authors' perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in these topics. The hope is to inspire both researchers and engineers to meet these challenges with innovative solutions.

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Current and future trends in topology optimization for additive manufacturing

WE found, on experimental grounds in Article I, that the field of air‐flow past a short body of low resistance shape, such as an aerofoil, comprises two dissimilar parts: (a) a thin boundary layer enveloping the body and dominated by viscous effects, and (b) a motion outside the boundary layer in which viscosity is much less important. It will be remembered that in the external motion occur the large pressure changes, which, transmitted through the boundary layer, account for nearly all the lift and for part of the drag. These pressures we observed to be calculable from the velocities without appreciable error by Bernoulli's equation. In the present Article we confine attention to this external flow, assuming it to be steady, incompressible, and inviscid. Its dependence upon (a), already discussed to some extent, we ignore; the boundary layer is conceived to be everywhere very thin, so that the only role it plays is to allow of relative velocity at the surface of the body. The assumptions made, excepting that of incompressibility, will appear drastic, and it will not be surprising if some of our deductions prove discordant with experimental fact. Nevertheless, they lead to a theory which finds many applications and uses in real fluid motion, and, in particular, gives an intimate view of aerofoil flow that is very close to the truth. It is convenient to develop our reasoning in analytical terms and for simplicity to restrict the flow to two dimensions (Article 1, §5). But the engineer will find special scope in this part of aerodynamics for graphical methods in the solution of particular problems.

Aerodynamics for Engineers

Mathematical models of elastic structures have become very sophisticated: given the crucial material properties (mass density and the several elastic moduli), computer-based techniques can be used to construct exotic finite element models. By contrast, the modeling of damping is usually very primitive, often consisting of no more than mere guesses at “modal damping factors.” The aim of this paper is to raise the modeling of viscoelastic structures to a level consistent with the modeling of elastic structures. Appropriate material properties are identified which permit the standard finite element formulations used for undamped structures to be extended to viscoelastic structures. Through the use of “dissipation” coordinates, the canonical “M , K ” form of the undamped motion equations is expanded to encompass viscoelastic damping. With this formulation finite element analysis can be used to model viscoelastic damping accurately.

Dynamics of viscoelastic structures: a time-domain finite element formulation

http://www.smsrc.umd.edu/documents/pub2009/IJSS_Topology_Plate_Cavity.pdf

Topology optimization of a plate coupled with acoustic cavity

Damping treatments have been extensively used as a powerful means to damp out structural resonant vibrations. Usually, damping materials are fully covered on the surface of plates. The drawbacks of this conventional treatment are also obvious due to an added mass and excess material consumption. Therefore, it is not always economical and effective from an optimization design view. In this paper, a topology optimization approach is presented to maximize the modal damping ratio of the plate with constrained layer damping treatment. The governing equation of motion of the plate is derived on the basis of energy approach. A finite element model to describe dynami c performances of the plate is developed and used along with an optimization algorithm in order to determine the optimal topologies of constrained layer damping layout on the plate. The damping of visco-elastic layer is modeled by the complex modulus formula. Considering the vibration and energy dissipation mode of the plate with constrained layer damping treatment, damping material density and volume factor are considered as design variable and constraint respectively. Meantime, the modal damping ratio of the plate is assigned as the objective funct ion in the topology optimization approach. The sensitivity of modal damping ratio to design variable is further derived and Method of Moving Asymptote (MMA) is adopted to search the optimized topologies of constrained layer damping layout on the plate. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed topology optimization approach. The results show that vibration energy dissipation of the plates can be enhanced by the optimal constrained layer damping layout. This optimal technology can be further extended to vibration attenuation of sandwich cylindrical shells which constitute the major building block of many critical structures such as cabins of aircraft s, hulls of submarines and bodies of rockets and missiles as an invaluable design tool.

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Topology Optimization of Constrained Layer Damping on Plates Using Method of Moving Asymptote (MMA) Approach

A finite element model for composite plates consisting of an elastic isotropic base layer covered with viscoelastic treatment is presented. The composite plate undergoes bending vibrations in the lateral direction. In contrast to many previous publications, the viscoelastic treatment is not constrained from the top in order to better simulate real cases. The objective is to find the optimum distribution of viscoelastic treatment which maximizes the modal damping ratio (MDR) for a certain volume of treatment. Topology optimization is performed with two strategies: optimizing the whole domain of viscoelastic treatment and optimizing a unit cell of the periodic treatment. Numerical examples show that the presented model is able to increase the MDR by an order of magnitude compared to plain treatments.

Topology optimization of unconstrained damping treatments for plates

We report an experimental study of acoustic effects produced by wind impinging on noise barriers based on two-dimensional sonic crystals with square symmetry. We found that the attenuation strength of sonic-crystal bandgaps decreases for increasing values of flow speed. A quenching of the acoustic bandgap appears at a certain speed value that depends of the barrier filling ratio. For increasing values of flow speed, the data indicate that the barrier becomes a sound source because of its interaction with the wind. We conclude that flow noise should be taken into account in designing acoustic barriers based on sonic crystals.

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Quenching of acoustic bandgaps by flow noise

http://www.smsrc.umd.edu/documents/pub2008/Optimization_Isogrid_Plates_Journal.pdf

Adel Elsabbagh

Papers

Topology optimization of a plate coupled with acoustic cavity

Topology Optimization of Constrained Layer Damping on Plates Using Method of Moving Asymptote (MMA) Approach

Topology optimization of unconstrained damping treatments for plates

Quenching of acoustic bandgaps by flow noise

Optimization of the static and dynamic characteristics of plates with isogrid stiffeners